Manchester United have been tipped to make a swap deal to bring Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford, despite Virgil van Dijk insisting they are not the best club for him.
Gakpo has scored 12 goals and notched 14 assists for PSV Eindhoven so far this season, as well as registering three goals in the World Cup. His performances have helped the Netherlands to set up a quarter-final date with Argentina.
The 23-year-old has also caught the eye of Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, who is searching for attacking reinforcements. But earlier this week Van Dijk shot down United's chances of signing the attacker, ahead of the likes of Real Madrid.
"Are Manchester United and Real Madrid at the same level at this moment? No disrespect, not at all. I think he definitely has the next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen," he said.
"Whether it happens in the winter or next year, time will tell. But he's a great boy. (He) works hard, is very talented and there's definitely more in him. We are very pleased he's doing so well and long may it continue."
But former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes there is a pathway for United to successfully bring the 23-year-old to Manchester. He has tipped the Red Devils to use Donny van de Beek in a swap deal to sign Gakpo.
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Van de Beek has made just seven appearances in all competitions so far this season, with his future at United appearing to be limited. And Eriksson believes that makes him the perfect candidate to be used in a swap for Gakpo.
"We're talking about two very good players and I believe it could be a great deal for both parties. It would make perfect sense, Gakpo is a dynamic attacker and direct," Eriksson told Boyle Sports.
"Just what United need - and for one reason or another Van de Beek just hasn't been suited to England and the Premier League. Erik ten Hag knows all of these players and if he thinks a swap deal is a good idea then why not?
"Van Dijk is true in his comments about Real and Man United. We have to be honest right now and say they are not on the same level. All players always want the pinnacle in football and that is to play for Barca or Real Madrid.
"They are teams that will always compete with Premier League clubs because they always have brilliant football players. If you choose between those two clubs now, there's only one winner for Gakpo."
PSV will reportedly be open to selling Gakpo in the January transfer window if an interested party meets their £50million valuation of him. With Cristiano Ronaldo having left Old Trafford, Ten Hag's options in attack are thin, meaning Gakpo will likely be his top target.
