Newcastle United tipped to hijack Cody Gakpo deal after ‘agreement’ struck – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Newcastle United could gazump Man United in the race for Cody Gakpo by offering him a more “attractive” contract.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed any player could be “tempted” to join the mega-rich Magpies following their transformation into Champions League contenders.
Sources told this site on Friday (16 December) that Man United are the only club to have held talks with PSV Eindhoven about signing Gakpo as they continue to work on a January deal.
It is believed the Dutch club wanted £30million for the forward in the summer, but are now holding out for £45million after his World Cup success.
According to the Daily Mirror (15 December), United face competition from Real Madrid and Newcastle United for Gakpo’s signature.
In addition to his three strikes in Qatar, the sensation has notched a combined 30 goals and assists for PSV in just 24 games.
When asked if Gakpo could be tempted to become Newcastle’s latest marquee signing, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think he could.
“I think anyone could be tempted to join this Newcastle side.
“That’s the strength and the financial clout they’ve got now – they’re going places.
“They’ve had this fantastic start to the season under a good manager, the fanbase is rocking, they’ve already got quality international players – it’s all going for them.
“It will be an appealing option for Gakpo. We know Man United are looking at him and they’re a massive club, but Newcastle could probably offer more in terms of that financial package.”
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor speaks on Eddie Howe potentially quitting Newcastle United as source reveals talks scheduled.