Sources: Man United set sights on Cody Gakpo after tabling ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ bid
Man United are readying a new move for PSV Eindhoven sensation Cody Gakpo despite their failed summer pursuit, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League giants tried to prise the forward, 23, from the Dutch club in the summer and had a £25million bid rejected.
PSV rejected offers from multiple English clubs, with Leeds United, Everton and Southampton among the others in hot pursuit.
United believe they are well placed to pursue Gakpo next year even if his values rises on the back of a stellar season at PSV and an impressive World Cup campaign with Holland.
The forward is expected to set his sights on a Champions League club rather than a mid-table Premier League side as his reputation continues to climb.
Gakpo’s long-term future in Eindhoven is far from secure despite a contract with the club that runs until the summer of 2026.
He is currently represented by Dutch agency SEG but it is understood he has set his sights on finding new representatives ahead of a transfer next year.
Football Insider revealed (25 August) that United had submitted a £25m take-it-or-leave-it bid for Gakpo that was independent of their pursuit of Antony.
News of United’s bid was subsequently confirmed by PSV director of football Marcel Brands.
“Cody has had a difficult preparation with us because he has spoken with Manchester United,” he told ED. “They didn’t come until mid-August and didn’t go through.”
Gakpo has notched 10 goals and nine assists in 13 games for PSV so far this season and won the Eredivisie Player of the Month award for September.
He also added a goal and an assist in two games for the Netherlands over the international break.
In other news, pundit lambasts Dean Henderson after Man United source’s £45m reveal – “it’s madness”.