Manchester United to rival Leeds United for Cody Gakpo in January

Manchester United and Leeds United are expected to battle out for PSV winger Cody Gakpo in January, claims Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Both the Premier League giants were interested in the Dutch winger this summer, but a move never came to fruition.

The Red Devils had identified Gakpo as a top target at the request of Erik ten Hag – both share the same agent – before signing Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax in a big-money move.

Leeds explored a move for the Netherlands international on the deadline day. However, his national team coach Louis van Gaal convinced him to continue with PSV.

Nonetheless, Gakpo could be available in the market again in the January transfer window, and according to Romano, the interest from the Premier League duo is intact.

The Italian journalist told CaughtOffside: “Cody Gakpo could be one to watch – we know he was really close to joining Leeds towards the end of the summer, and for Man United he was a serious option as well.

“They had good contacts with the player, he shares an agent with Erik ten Hag, and there is a feeling that English clubs will come back in for Gakpo in January. United know he could be an option, and how he performs in the World Cup could end up being important for his future.”

The 23-year-old has been in red hot form this season, netting eight goals and six assists in seven Eredivisie appearances.

His stock could also hike should he translate his form to the Dutch national team at the World Cup in November.

Man Utd are targeting attacking reinforcements in the winter transfer exchange. However, it remains to be seen whether they will break the bank for Gakpo, having already spent around £200 million on new signings in the summer.