£38m star could be ‘Raphinha replacement’ at Elland Road

Leeds United target Cody Gakpo is ‘on the rise’ and would ‘offer something fans have been missing’ since Raphinha’s Elland Road departure, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Raphinha completed a £55million switch to La Liga giants Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but head coach Jesse Marsch was unable to sign Gakpo ahead of last week’s deadline.

What’s the latest news involving Gakpo?

It is understood that Leeds are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Gakpo and, having made the PSV Eindhoven winger their top target, will push to strike a deal in January.

According to The Athletic, director of football Victor Orta travelled to the Netherlands in an attempt to reach an agreement on deadline day.

But the report suggests PSV were unwilling to sell Gakpo – who is already into double figures for goal contributions this season – so late in the transfer window and, instead, are hopeful of agreeing a lucrative new contract.

John de Jong, a director at the Eredivisie giants, has claimed Leeds did not put forward a proposal which was deemed acceptable.

It emerged that PSV value Gakpo at £38million after Southampton failed with a £21million bid last month.

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Gakpo?

O’Rourke believes Gakpo would get Leeds fans on their feet if he were to eventually seal a move to Yorkshire.

The journalist feels the 23-year-old has not reached his potential yet and, as a result, he would be an exciting addition to Marsch’s squad.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think he definitely offers something that Leeds fans have been missing since Raphinha left.

“Cody Gakpo is still a player on the rise and I think he’s going to get better and better.”

Did Luke Ayling score on his Premier League debut for Leeds United?

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How does Gakpo compare to Raphinha?

Raphinha became a fans’ favourite during his time at Leeds, having scored 17 goals and registered a further 12 assists in 67 appearances, but there is every chance that Gakpo would be a hit with the Whites’ faithful as well.

Statistics show he averaged more goals, assists and shots on target than the departed Brazilian per 90 minutes last season, so it is clear that he could end up being an upgrade.

Although he does not boast Premier League experience, Gakpo has racked up close to 90 goal contributions during his time at PSV, which further emphasises that he is a serious threat in the final third of the pitch.

However, impressive numbers like that mean Leeds are going to have a fight on their hands when it comes to attempting to win the race for the seven-cap Netherlands international’s services.

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