Man Utd ‘open talks’ over first January transfer deal for Erik ten Hag

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Reports claim Manchester United have now formally opened talks with PSV Eindhoven over a deal for Cody Gakpo, who is the club’s top January transfer target. The Red Devils have been tracking the talented Dutch attacker since the summer window when Erik ten Hag was interested in bringing the player to Old Trafford from the Eredivisie as part of his United revolution.

Yet despite extensive talks with the player, Ten Hag opted to go in a different direction, instead signing former Ajax winger Antony in an £86million deal.

While the move left Gakpo licking his wounds, the forward’s determination and quality have now seen him re-enter United’s thinking.

According to The Mirror, United have now entered discussions with PSV over a deal that could seek Gakpo move to Old Trafford in January.

United are keen to land the Holland international in 2023 after mutually freeing Cristiano Ronaldo from his contract.

Attacking reinforcements are now at the top of the agenda for the club’s recruitment team and there is now confidence a deal can be struck.

PSV are currently combating financial problems and for that reason, Gakpo is expected to be sold next month.

In 24 appearances this season in all competitions, Gakpo has netted 13 goals and registered 17 assists at club level.

He also bolstered his value at the World Cup by netting in each of Holland’s three group matches.

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Yet United are still seemingly hopeful that they can get a deal over the line at a reasonable price given PSV are willing to do business.

PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy recently declared he would prefer to sell Gakpo at the end of the season as the Dutch club chase the Eredivisie title but that hasn’t stopped United from chancing their arm.

The ex-United striker said: “If I have the choice, I prefer [Gakpo to leave in] the summer, but it can also be now. You just know there comes a time when you can’t say no.”

Ten Hag has since responded to the comment, telling reporters: “There were many many good players in the World Cup. [Van Nistelrooy] can say that about many players.”

Leeds and Southampton were also among a long list of clubs interested in signing Gakpo in the summer before he eventually stayed at PSV.

Now the landscape has changed with Real Madrid reportedly among those monitoring the player.

Yet United do seemingly have a free run on Gakpo should they wish to conclude a deal and now the club look on course to bring the winger to Old Trafford.

Gakpo said himself that he was interested in joining United last summer before they cooled their interest.

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