Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has ‘a slight tinge of regret’ that he failed to welcome PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo to Elland Road during the summer transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Whites spent close to £100million on reinforcements ahead of the September 1 deadline, but Marsch was unable to lure one of his key targets to Yorkshire.
What’s the latest news involving Gakpo?
According to The Athletic, Leeds and PSV came close to reaching an agreement over a January transfer in recent weeks, but Gakpo is not in favour of a move to Elland Road.
The report suggests the nine-cap Netherlands international could end up heading to Real Madrid or Arsenal instead, while Manchester United also considered heading to the negotiating table with his current employers during the summer transfer window.
However, it is understood that Leeds are planning to push for Gakpo’s signature at the turn of the year after he has been identified as the club’s top target.
It comes after director of football Victor Orta travelled to the Netherlands on deadline day as he looked to strike a late deal, but PSV were unwilling to offload their talisman when they had no time to recruit a replacement.
Southampton also failed with a £21.4million bid in the closing stages of the window, with the Dutch side seeking upwards of £38million.
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What has Pete O’Rourke said about Gakpo?
O’Rourke believes Leeds will be frustrated that they failed to sign Gakpo, particularly considering they appeared to be on course to get their man.
The journalist feels the attacker has set his sights on competing in the Champions League after enjoying a memorable start to the season.
O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure there will be a slight tinge of regret that they didn’t get the deal over the line in the summer when it was looking positive before the deal fell through on deadline day.
“Cody Gakpo is probably one of the most in-form players in Europe right now, so it’s no real surprise that he is thinking that he could play at a higher level and maybe go to a team that’s in the Champions League.”
How has Gakpo performed so far this season?
Gakpo has left Leeds ruing their failed attempt to secure his services after notching 13 goals and an additional 11 assists in just 18 appearances.
Statistics show the Dutchman has been PSV’s best performer since the campaign got underway – averaging a match rating of 8.64.
With Gakpo getting 3.8 shots away per game and finding the back of the net every 85 minutes, there is no doubt that he will be on the radar of numerous clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
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