Manchester United target Cody Gakpo claims his future at PSV Eindhoven may well rest on whether they qualify for the Champions League.
The Dutch side are taking on Monaco in the qualifying rounds as they eye a seat at Europe's top table, but failure to progress could open the door for the forward to exit the club. Gakpo grabbed 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 league games last year, which has attracted Premier League attention - not least from those at Old Trafford.
PSV's tie with Monaco hangs in the balance after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Gakpo's latest comments could open the door to a move if his side are not successful as he alluded to discussions regarding his future.
"We must first focus on [the second leg against Monaco] and try to make it to the Champions League," Gakpo told ESPN. "Then it is more likely that I will stay. I don't think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay. I'm open for a cup of coffee with the management - or coffee for them and water for me. We'll see how it goes."
Gakpo is valued at around £40m having been named the Young Player of the Year in his homeland recently and would serve as an alternative to Ajax's Antony, who the club are reluctant to sell hence their hefty £80m valuation. Leeds United are also keen on Gakpo but may struggle to compete with the Red Devils in the market.
Former Manchester United marksman Ruud van Nistelrooy aided Gakpo's development in PSV's youth ranks and is now in charge of the Eredivisie heavyweight. He is desperate to keep hold of the forward as they club look to win the title for the first time since 2018.
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United are on the lookout for some more firepower as they continue their recruitment drive. Erik ten Hag has been unable to bolster his forward line this summer and may have to wave goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo, which would leave a sizeable hole in his frontline.
United had started with Anthony Martial as their No 9 throughout pre-season with Ronaldo absent. The Frenchman is expected to play a big role this term once he returns from injury, but there remains a lack of depth in the squad's attack following the departure of Edinson Cavani.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho have largely been used as threats from out wide, but could play more centrally if required. United's hunt for a new forward has seen them linked with teenage star Benjamin Sesko, who has impressed at Red Bull Salzburg, but that interest has since cooled.
