£38m goal-getter ‘still on Ten Hag’s radar’ at Old Trafford

Manchester United are still keeping tabs on Cody Gakpo and the PSV Eindhoven star is more likely to head to Old Trafford than join fellow suitors Leeds United, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Red Devils were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, having parted with more than £200million, but boss Erik ten Hag was unable to strike a deal for one of his key targets.

What’s the latest news involving Gakpo?

According to Forbes, Manchester United tracked Gakpo throughout the summer transfer window and remain interested in holding negotiations with PSV.

The report suggests the Red Devils agreed personal terms with the nine-cap Netherlands international, who scored in a Nations League win over Poland last month, but opted against testing his current employers’ resolve by lodging a bid.

Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Leeds United and Southampton went into deadline day still in the hunt for Gakpo’s services and hopeful of striking an eleventh hour deal.

But the winger has claimed that he was not interested in rushing into a move after initially believing he would be sealing a switch to Old Trafford.

It is understood that Leeds are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Gakpo and, having made him their top target, will push to acquire his services in January.

What has Dean Jones said about Gakpo?

Jones believes Gakpo is destined to join a club fighting for more regular silverware instead of Leeds, potentially opening the door for Manchester United.

The journalist understands the Red Devils are still keen on luring the Dutchman to the Premier League.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m already thinking that he’s going to end up at a bigger club than Leeds at this point.

“Manchester United, obviously, looked at him very closely. I know he’s still on the radar there too, so I think he probably won’t go to Leeds at this point.”

Could Manchester United sign Gakpo in January?

Ten Hag, who moved into the Manchester United hot seat at the conclusion of last season, will be given another opportunity to strengthen his squad when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

His hopes of striking a mid-season deal have been boosted as PSV will reportedly have to sell Gakpo or Ibrahim Sangare before next summer due to the Eredivisie giants’ financial situation.

It is understood that Gakpo was valued at £38million during the summer transfer window, while Southampton could also reignite their interest after failing with a £21.4million bid.

But the wide-man’s price tag may have increased as he has already chalked up 22 goal contributions during the early stages of the season.

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