Everton could seal 'massive' Cody Gakpo deal after £26m bid reveal - pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed the January signing of red-hot PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo would be a "massive coup" for Everton.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, branded the 23-year-old a "fantastic talent" capable of making a difference in the Premier League.
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf (27 October), PSV Eindhoven may have to accept a cut-price deal for Gakpo worth €30million (£25.7million) due to financial difficulties.
Football Insider revealed on 19 September that the winger had changed agents in a boost to interested Premier League clubs including Everton, Man United, and Southampton.
Gakpo, who has worn the armband for PSV this term, has notched 13 goals and 16 assists in 2022-23.
The nine-cap Netherlands international, who impressed during his side's 2-0 Europa League win over Arsenal last month, is almost certain to go to the Qatar World Cup later in November.
Whelan suggested Everton could find it "difficult" to seal a deal if Man United come in for Gakpo.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “If they can get him, it’d be a massive coup.
“There’ll be a lot of clubs looking at him. I’m pretty sure in January – he’ll be a player who can make a difference to any side, he’s a fantastic talent.
“If there’s a bidding war, Everton could find it difficult – with their league position and their style of play.
“But if they can get this deal over the line, it would be an absolutely tremendous coup.
“If they start coming up against Man United and other top sides, it could become a lot more difficult.”