MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to swoop in January to land Holland’s World Cup star Cody Gakpo.
PSV are willing to cash in on the attacker to maximise his value following his three goals in Qatar.
United were interested in the 23-year-old in the summer but backed out of a potential deal after signing Anthony from Ajax for £85.5million.
But the Red Devils want attacking reinforcements following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit and Gakpo is keen on the move.
The Dutchman, who lined up against the USA, wants to be used as a striker despite being played as a winger and a number 10 for his club and country.
Both clubs are yet to enter talks but with United boss Erik Ten Hag and Gakpo sharing the same agents, there is belief a deal can be ironed out as soon as the window opens next month.
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PSV want at least £50m for their academy graduate who has already hit 12 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season.
Gakpo has a contract until 2026 with his boyhood club, but has assurances he will be allowed to leave if their asking price is met.
The Holland star was set for a deadline day move to Leeds in the summer with the club’s transfer chief Victor Orta flying to Eindhoven on a private jet only for PSV to block the deal at the last minute.
Everton, Southampton and West Ham have also shown an interest and Gakpo still has his sights set on a Premier League move.
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In an interview last month he revealed: “I always said if I stay here, it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment.
“I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.
“But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option.”
Following the 3-1 win over the USA to secure a quarter-final spot against Argentina, Gakpo was asked about his future.
He said: “After. I’m not thinking about that now.
“I’m just really focused on the tournament, trying to keep performing well and helping the team and hopefully when we become world champion then I can think about that (the future).
“No, not really (is it hard to concentrate). I’m just trying to keep focused and the other players don’t really talk about those things which also helps me in this situation.
“We came here with a goal which is to try to become world champion.
“We believe in that and we’re going to fight and improve every day. We’re growing in the tournament, improving every game and this was another step higher.”
However, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk hit out at a potential move by suggesting Man Utd were not the level of club Gakpo should sign for.
He said: “Is Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at the moment?
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“No disrespect, not at all. I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell.
“He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. we are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
