Manchester United have started talks with PSV Eindhoven about the January transfer of prolific striker Cody Gakpo.
United have been linked with a move to Gakpo since the summer when a move to Old Trafford fell through.
When it came to a decision between Gakpo and Antony, Erik ten Hag opted for his former Ajax player, which meant that Gakpo stayed at PSV.
Since then, Ten Hag has maintained his interest, with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Newcastle, Leeds and Southampton also interested in the striker.
However, United appear to have outmaneuvered their rivals in the hunt for Gakpo.
Simon Mullock of The Mirror reports: “Manchester United have opened talks with PSV Eindhoven over the signing of Cody Gakpo.”
United instigated his move earlier in the week after learning that looming financial troubles at PSV mean the Dutch club are prepared to cash in on the 23-year-old striker for less than £50m when the window opens. transfer next month.
“Erik ten Hag feels the arrival of Gakpo will bolster his bid for a top four finish after winning his battle of wills with Cristiano Ronaldo over the World Cup break. Gakpo will bring the hunger and aggressiveness that the United manager felt Ronaldo could no longer deliver at the age of 37.”
Mullock adds that United’s club bosses have been made aware of the Dutch club’s cash shortage and its desperation to sell immediately.
This comes from PSV’s failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage. Selling Gakpo would alleviate the likelihood of a financial collapse at Philips Stadium.
Gakpo himself is extremely open to leaving in an effort to help his current club avoid financial ruin. The goalscorer wants the transfer to take place in January instead of waiting until the summer.
Personal terms for the 23-year-old will not be an issue. These were agreed during the summer and the player is still happy with what was offered.
