Manchester United are the favourites to sign PSV Eindhoven talisman Cody Gakpo, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool.
As per Give Me Sport, Manchester United are in pole position to land Cody Gakpo. But Liverpool might interrupt the proceedings. The 23-year-old winger is currently with the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Gakpo was on the verge of sealing a move to Manchester United in the summer. But PSV’s reluctance to lower their demand priced him out of a move. And instead of waiting for him, Erik ten Hag pursued Antony from his former club Ajax, which was supposed to be a blockade in his arrival.
But Manchester United’s scoring woes have continued to bother them. And despite a significant improvement in their performances, the Dutch manager wants to add a goal-poacher who could convert those chances.
The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has also opened the gates for another forward as the Red Devils have reduced their wage bill by quite some extent. Gakpo’s performance speaks highly of his qualities, and he has this knack of finding the net often, although he primarily loves to play on the wings.
PSV could consider an offer in the region of £45 million as they are undergoing severe financial concerns and need to raise funds to balance their books. But Manchester United have a problem as Liverpool are also plotting a move as assistant manager Pep Lijnders rates the player pretty highly and wants the club to snatch him from under the Red Devils’ stringent eyes.
But recent reports have claimed that Manchester United have an “agreement in principle” with the Dutch attacker. Eminent reporter Dean Jones has explained that Manchester United have initiated steps to get the deal done smoothly in January.
He said, “I think you’d have to consider them favourites, but at the moment everyone else is in the race, that’s probably what makes it so interesting. United are linked most heavily and they have made the most progress in terms of knowing what’s needed to be done.”
Manchester United have made progress under their new manager. But scoring goals has been a problem. Gakpo has been involved in 35 goal contributions so far in all competitions, and it seems the Red Devils will not invest in an average player. It will be interesting to see if they beat Liverpool to his signature.
