Netherlands World Cup star Cody Gakpo insists he will still consider a transfer to Manchester United.
The versatile PSV Eindhoven winger has long been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with a move heavily touted in the most recent summer window before later speculation over a shock deadline-day deal with rivals Leeds or even Southampton after United instead swooped to sign Brazil’s Antony from Ajax for an £85million fee.
However, nothing materialised on either front and Gakpo ultimately remained at PSV, where he further enhanced his reputation with 13 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for the Eredivisie title contenders before the mid-season World Cup break.
His status has been significantly amplified further at the World Cup in Qatar, where the 23-year-old has enjoyed a starring central forward role for Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands, scoring three times in four matches to tee up a classic quarter-final showdown with Lionel Messi and Argentina on Friday.
Transfer rumours have continued to ratchet up ahead of that huge clash, with frequent reports that United are still actively trying to sign Gakpo.
The Daily Mail said on Wednesday that talks with PSV would take place over the coming days, with ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag having identified his new top target - now believed to be valued at around the £50m mark - after the high-profile early departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
United’s deficiences - albeit without their World Cup stars - were further laid bare on Wednesday during an abject friendly defeat by LaLiga side Cadiz as they stepped up preparations for the return of the Premier League later this month.
"That was a tough period," Gakpo told Dutch newspaper NRC of the end to the summer window. "I learned from that. I'm going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.
"Suppose you want to go from RKC (Waalwijk) to PSV, but that club is not coming. Then you can panic.
"I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn't happen, I couldn't remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
"Now I wait everything. I haven't heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I'll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions."
