Cody Gakpo could reportedly leave PSV Eindhoven during the January transfer window, with Manchester United firmly interested in his signature.
The 23-year-old held talks with the Red Devils over the summer, but he ultimately remained with Eindhoven past the transfer deadline.
Gakpo has been in excellent form for his Dutch club this season, scoring nine goals and registering 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie appearances, while he netted three times and provided two assists in five outings in the group stage of the Europa League.
The speculation surrounding the forward's future has gathered pace due to his performances at the 2022 World Cup, as he has scored three times in three appearances for the Netherlands, who have advanced to the last-16 stage of the competition.
Man United are likely to be in the market for a new forward in January due to Cristiano Ronaldo's recent departure, and Gakpo is being strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.
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According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gakpo could be allowed to leave PSV in January despite his importance to the Dutch giants.
"There are chances for Cody Gakpo to leave PSV already in January. Original plan was to sell him in the summer but could change after excellent World Cup," Romano wrote on his official Twitter account.
Meanwhile, the Italian journalist added that Man United remain "in contact" with the forward's agents, and the club are planning to hold fresh talks in the near future.
"He is doing absolutely fantastic in the World Cup, he has scored in every game. His numbers with PSV were already great, because he is scoring goals and providing assists. This player is special," Romano said on his YouTube channel.
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"Manchester United are still in contact with the agents of Cody Gakpo, they have new contacts planned to have new discussions.
"The relationship is fantastic, the agents of Gakpo are the same agents of [manager] Erik ten Hag. They are working hard on this. Manchester United will have to decide on the price as in the summer PSV were demanding £43m and after the World Cup it will be higher."
Gakpo has scored 55 goals and registered 50 assists in 159 appearances for PSV in all competitions, while he now has five goals in 11 outings for his country.
Man United had initially been expected to wait until next summer to bring in a new forward, but Ronaldo's recent departure could force them into the January market, as their options in the final third of the field are now limited.
Matt Law
