Man Utd told to include £35m player in swap deal for "dangerous" World Cup star

Manchester United have been encouraged to make a swap deal to bring Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford.

Gakpo has been one of the stars at the World Cup, having netted a goal in each of the Netherlands’ three Group Stage fixtures and helped Louis Van Gaal’s side dispatch the United States 3-1 in their round-of-16 tie.

The 23-year-old has also impressed at club level this term, having scored 12 goals and notched 14 assists for PSV Eindhoven. Such form has seen Gakpo attract interest from the continent's biggest clubs.

United have registered an interest in Gakpo since last summer, and have been tipped to make a move for the PSV star in January as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, La Liga giants Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the player, who USMNT and Arsenal keeper Matt Turner described as “dangerous” earlier this team.

Swap deal for Gakpo?

Last week Liverpool and Netherlands centre-back Virgil Van Dijk shot down the Old Trafford club’s chances of signing Gakpo ahead of Real Madrid.

However, former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson claimed there was a way United could prize Gakpo away from PSV, ahead of the likes of Real Madrid.

He tipped ten Hag’s side to use Gakpo’s compatriot Donny van de Beek as part of a swap deal for the World Cup star.

Van de Beek, who signed for United for £35million two years ago, has made just seven appearances in all competition for the club this term.

With the player facing a precarious future in Manchester, Eriksson believes he would be the perfect candidate to be used in a swap deal for Gakpo.

The Swede told Boyle Sports: “We're talking about two very good players and I believe it could be a great deal for both parties. It would make perfect sense, Gakpo is a dynamic attacker and direct.

"Just what United need - and for one reason or another Van de Beek just hasn't been suited to England and the Premier League. Erik ten Hag knows all of these players and if he thinks a swap deal is a good idea then why not?

"Van Dijk is true in his comments about Real and Man United. We have to be honest right now and say they are not on the same level. All players always want the pinnacle in football and that is to play for Barca or Real Madrid.

"They are teams that will always compete with Premier League clubs because they always have brilliant football players. If you choose between those two clubs now, there's only one winner for Gakpo."