£50m star could stop Ten Hag signing ‘out-and-out goalscorer’

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag may decide he does not need to sign a new centre forward if he succeeds in luring PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Red Devils mutually agreed to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract last month, leaving them with a void at the top end of the pitch heading into the January transfer window.

Man United transfer news – Cody Gakpo

According to The Sun, Manchester United are preparing to swoop for Gakpo during the early stages of 2023, while Everton, Southampton and West Ham United have also shown an interest.

The report suggests PSV are entertaining bids in the region of £50million and the winger is keen on a switch to the Red Devils.

Manchester United are long-term admirers of Gakpo, who previously admitted that he spent the majority of the summer believing he would head to Old Trafford after the club registered an interest, but a move failed to materialise.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Red Devils have been holding discussions with the Dutchman’s representatives, potentially putting them at the front of the queue for his signature.

But PSV are still in a strong negotiating position despite their willingness to cash-in as Gakpo’s contract, which is worth £19,000-per-week, still has more than three-and-a-half years to run.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dean Jones said about Gakpo?

Jones believes signing Gakpo early in the January window could result in ten Hag being able to quickly decide whether he needs to splash the cash on a new striker ahead of the deadline.

As a result, the transfer insider feels it is the ideal time to take the plunge on the 23-year-old.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “If he was to get Gakpo in, he could then figure out whether he does need a number nine, long-term, or whether the team can move forward without signing an out-and-out natural goalscorer.

“It could be the perfect moment to just take that small step in between.”

How has Gakpo performed at the World Cup?

Sofascore statistics show that Gakpo has found the back of the net every 113 minutes since the World Cup got underway, underlining his prowess in the attacking third of the pitch.

The data shows that he is not afraid to contribute defensively as well, with him averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances and 0.5 interceptions per game.

That will be music to ten Hag’s ears and the Netherlands will be optimistic of finding a way past Argentina, as they bid for a semi-final berth on Friday, if Gakpo is at his best.

The wide-man’s form in Qatar should not come as a surprise as he went into the tournament having already chalked up 30 goal contributions this season.

Having seen Gakpo excel on the international stage in recent weeks, Manchester United would be wise to up the ante in their pursuit.

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