Cody Gakpo reportedly tops Erik ten Hag’s priority list for January. The Dutch star’s attacking prowess is the hot topic of the 2022 World Cup.
The interest of Manchester United has grown exponentially after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Gakpo entered the World Cup in top form, having found the back of the net 12 times and adding another 14 assists for his club.
The form of the PSV Eindhoven man has continued in Qatar, with three goals already in the competition. Gakpo’s eye for goal will be crucial if the Netherlands are to end Argentina’s hopes of adding a third World Cup at half-time.
United are reportedly putting together a swap deal to bring the striker to Old Trafford (via The Mirror).
News of the possible swap deal has emerged despite Dutch team-mate Virgil van Dijk insisting that the 23-year-old must set his target higher.
Van Dijk said: “Are Manchester United and Real Madrid at the same level at the moment? No disrespect, not at all. I think it definitely has the next step in it. I definitely feel like it could happen.”
Sven-Goran Eriksson says there is a ‘perfect’ deal
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes United have the wherewithal to secure Gakpo’s signing in the January transfer window.
He has suggested that the key to the transfer could be using fringe star Donny van de Beek in a swap deal.
Speaking to Boyle Sports, Eriksson said: “We are talking about two very good players and I think it could be a great deal for both parties. It would make perfect sense; Gakpo is a dynamic and direct attacker”.
“Just what United need, and for one reason or another, Van de Beek hasn’t adapted to England or the Premier League. Erik ten Hag knows all these players, and if he thinks a trade deal is a good idea, why not?
open for sale
PSV are reportedly open to selling their star striker in January. PSV’s only requirement is that any interested club must meet their £50m valuation for their star attacker.
With his options up front limited at the moment, Ten Hag will see Gakpo as a delicious prospect for the rest of the Red Devils’ Premier League campaign and future ambitions.
