Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo's comments have dampened Erik ten Hag's chances of signing the player after his side's earned their place in the next round of this season's Champions League.
United have recently stepped up their activity in the transfer market as they look to bring in reinforcements to Old Trafford before the window closes on September 1. The club would have had their targets in mind ahead of the summer, but the opening day defeat to Brighton seems to have intensified their pursuit of several players.
It was far from the perfect start for Ten Hag's side as they found themselves 2-0 down after just 39 minutes. The midfield pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred failed to take control of the game as the duo were sloppy in possession.
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Supporters inside Old Trafford voiced their disapproval of their side's performance through a chorus of boos at both half-time and full-time. Although Ten Hag will not be judged on his first match in the Premier League – the manager will be all too aware that the final few weeks in the transfer market could define the trajectory of his first season at the club.
One of the players that United have been linked to in recent weeks is that of PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old winger will be well known to Ten Hag during his time in the Eredivisie – Gakpo had a stunning campaign for PSV last season as he scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 27 league appearances for the club.
The Dutch winger recently alluded to discussions regarding his future as he appeared to pin his decision to stay or leave on whether or not his side qualify for the Champions League.
Gakpo told ESPN (via the Mirror ): "We must first focus on [the second leg against Monaco] and try to make it to the Champions League.
"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."
Since that interview, PSV have come from behind to beat Monaco 3-2 in extra-time of their second leg Champions League qualifying round – a 109' goal from former Newcastle and Barcelona forward Luuk de Jong sealing the win for the Dutch side. Thanks to that result, combined with Gakpo's comments, it appears that United may now have to turn their attention elsewhere for a new midfielder.
PSV will now face Rangers in order to earn a place in the Champions League Group Stage, where a win for the Dutch side would surely end United's hopes of signing Gakpo entirely.
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