Erik ten Hag is banking on his relationship with Cody Gakpo giving Manchester United a decisive edge in the fight to land the in-demand PSV Eindhoven forward.
Ten Hag worked with Gakpo when he was in charge of the PSV academy more than a decade ago and maintained a friendship with the player and his family during his emergence as one of the Eredivisie’s top performers. Now the United boss is looking to bring £50million-rated Gakpo to Old Trafford in January after an outstanding World Cup sparked serious interest in the Dutchman from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle.
The bond Ten Hag has built up with Gakpo could be critical - as will the assurances the Dutch international is looking for with regards to his role in the team.
Ten Hag has told Gakpo he sees him as the perfect replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo - and he could even take over the No.7 shirt.
Real see Gakpo as the long-term successor to Karim Benzema. Arsenal are in the frame after losing Gabriel Jesus for three months with a knee injury. And Newcastle’s financial power has made them serious contenders to make a statement signing.
United had Gakpo in the bag in the summer - but were forced to drop their interest at the 11th hour when Ajax’s £86million valuation of Antony forced them to concentrate their resources on signing the Brazilian.
Leeds almost took advantage and put a private plane on standby to fly Gakpo to Yorkshire only for the move to stall.
Cash-strapped PSV sacked technical director John de Jong in the aftermath of the deal falling through because the club’s failure to reach the group stages of the Champions League was a financial hammer blow.
Leeds have continued to talk to Gakpo’s advisers in recent months - but the battle now seems to be between United, Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle.
Gakpo, who scored in all three of Holland's group games at the World Cup, will make his decision over Christmas after PSV told him they need to cash in to avoid heavy financial losses.
