PSV Eindhoven head coach and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has hinted that star man Cody Gakpo could leave the club as soon as the January transfer window amid ongoing links with a move to Old Trafford.
Gakpo, who scored three times in five appearances for the Netherlands at the World Cup, has enjoyed an excellent season so far for the Dutch giants, making him one of the most sought-after players in Europe. He has scored 13 goals and registered 17 assists in just 24 appearances this season, meaning it is understandable why so many clubs are taking an interest in his signature.
The 23-year-old, who operates as a left-sided winger for PSV, was on United's radar during the summer and he admitted in October that he did hold talks with Erik ten Hag about the prospect of completing a move to Old Trafford. However, Ten Hag always had his eyes set on landing top target Antony to strengthen the Reds' wide options.
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Nevertheless, links connecting United with a move for Gakpo next month have persisted, not least after he enjoyed a successful World Cup campaign in Qatar. The Reds are planning to strengthen their attacking options next month in the form of a striker.
And Van Nistelrooy has conceded that PSV might be forced to let Gakpo go as soon as next month, though he has admitted that he would prefer to let him go in the summer.
"If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now," Van Nistelrooy told Voetbal International. "You just know there comes a time when you can't say no."
Gakpo, who scored 21 times and racked up 15 assists for PSV last season, has been widely tipped to join United next month and become the new face of their forward line. However, the Dutchman has produced the best of his football in the Netherlands on the left-wing, raising doubts of whether he could cut it as an out-and-out striker in the Premier League.
He did operate as both a striker an attacking-midfielder for the Netherlands at the World Cup, highlighting that he has the ability to play in each role. However, all of his good fortune in a PSV shirt has come down the left.
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