Man Utd receive major Cody Gakpo boost as PSV ‘change transfer plans’

Man Utd's next six Premier League fixtures

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Manchester United could bring Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford by as early as January as a result of his match-winning performances for the Netherlands in the group stages of the World Cup, according to reports. Gakpo has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents over the last few years and has been widely tipped to leave PSV Eindhoven for bigger and better things in the not-too-distant future.

The 23-year-old has been on fire for the Netherlands over the course of the World Cup so far, chipping in with three goals in as many games to help Louis van Gaal’s side book their place in the knockout stages of the tournament without too much trouble. It seems as though Gakpo’s impressive showings in Qatar could speed up his departure from PSV when the January window rolls around, with the Dutch outfit prepared to change their original plans regarding his immediate future, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It is said that PSV were initially preparing to sell Gakpo at the end of the season but could decide to take advantage of his rising stock after the World Cup by selling their prized asset in January. His exploits at international level will see his value skyrocket if he continues to lead the charge for the Netherlands in Qatar, with the Oranje set to face the USA in their first knockout stage match on Saturday.

United are still believed to be keen on landing Gakpo and are said to have maintained regular contact with the player’s representatives in order to scope out their demands ahead of a potential January approach for his signature. They are unlikely to be the only club in the race, though, with at least three other sides thought to be exploring the idea of rivalling United when the bidding opens.

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Gakpo is not expected to remain on PSV’s books for much longer and it seems as if the battle to snap him up could be set to intensify in January, with United boss Erik ten Hag said to remain a keen admirer from his time managing Ajax in the Eredivisie. The Red Devils have been tipped to use the money saved by Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent departure to fund a lucrative bid for Gakpo by former Dutch footballer Hans Kraay Jr, who recently insisted that PSV could be forced into cashing in at the turn of the year.

“Gakpo is gone,” Kraay Jr told Voetbal Primeur. “PSV is not going to keep him, and can no longer keep him. Gakpo will play in the Premier League. The chance that it will be Manchester United is now a lot bigger, because Cristiano Ronaldo is gone. They have even more money available.”

Meanwhile, Gakpo himself recently set tongues wagging over a potential move to Old Trafford by refusing to rule out the possibility of a transfer in January, telling reporters: “Right now I’m busy with the Dutch team. I’ll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible.

“I’m focused now on the World Cup. It’s always nice to hear but I just focus here and do my best. I don’t get shy about the rumours. But it’s a team sport, it’s not about one person.

“I prefer it to be about the team. It’s nice things that people write, but I’m not too concerned with that. I’m not surprised. I know what I’m capable of but it’s always a challenge to reach your highest level.”

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