Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has confirmed that they attempted to sign Nottingham Forest target Cody Gakpo from PSV in the summer.
The Dutch winger was a target for a number of Premier League clubs after impressing in the Eredivisie last season . Gakpo scored 12 goals and assisted a further 13 times in the league, as well as contributing another nine goals across domestic and European competitions.
Forest were credited with interest in the 23-year-old, while Manchester United, Southampton and Leeds were too. However, following a dramatic late change of heart, Gakpo opted to remain at the Philips Stadium.
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Reports in the final days of the transfer window stated that Orta had visited Eindhoven in an attempt to wrap up the deal. However, it didn't happen and PSV chief Michael Brands revealed how they rejected the Whites' £26.6 million bid plus £11.3m in add-ons.
Now, speaking for the first time since the transfer window closed, Orta has confirmed Leeds' attempts to sign Gakpo. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, he said: "We also tried with Cody Gakpo. I respect his decision not to come to Leeds. And I also put myself in the shoes of PSV and I understand they couldn’t find a replacement at the last minute."
Should Forest attempt to make a bid for Gakpo in the January transfer window? Have your say in the comments...
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