Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms with Cody Gakpo ahead of the forward’s potential move to Old Trafford this summer.
Gakpo is a highly rated talent in the Eredivisie. Last season for PSV he notched 21 goals and 15 assists in 47 games, helping them to win the KNVB Cup and finish second in the Dutch top flight.
Gakpo, who can play as a winger on either flank or at centre-forward, also captained the team on several occasions. That is despite him being just 23 years old.
The seven-cap Netherlands international has begun the new campaign well, scoring three goals in his first six appearances.
Despite PSV being desperate to keep him for at least another season, Gakpo could be one of several players to arrive at Manchester United this month.
According to The Telegraph, United want to bring in five new players to improve Erik ten Hag’s squad. One position they are looking to improve is out wide, with Gakpo and Antony the top targets.
As such, the Red Devils are in ‘direct contact’ with both players. The Athletic report that Gakpo can leave PSV as long as a suitable offer comes in. They are thought to value him at £35million.
It makes sense for United to go after Gakpo rather than Ajax’s Antony due to the latter carrying a price tag of £70m.
Personal terms agreed for Cody Gakpo signing
And Ten Hag’s side may be leaning towards Gakpo instead. According to CaughtOffside, who cite reports in Holland, United have sorted out personal terms with the attacker and his agent.
This means a contract should be fairly quick to go through if United submit a bid for Gakpo and PSV accept it.
The goalscorer is enjoying his time at the Philips Stadium but also likes the idea of taking the next step in his career. And clearly the pull of United is hard to turn down.
Capturing Gakpo could set up an exciting end to the summer transfer window for United. They have already spent an initial £60m to bring in Casemiro from Real Madrid.
Another midfielder could still arrive, as United officials are planning to fly to Barcelona to finally get Frenkie de Jong’s move over the line.
The meeting between United and Barca will take place later this week. The Manchester outfit will aim to strike another agreement for De Jong, after the first one expired recently.
United have plans to improve the goalkeeper position, too. They are hoping to land 32-year-old German Kevin Trapp from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Trapp is reportedly willing to accept the four-year deal United have put on the table. An offer worth less than £8.4m (€10m) is now due to be sent to Frankfurt.
United have big plans in the transfer market in the final week of the window and could add at least three new players to their squad.
Meanwhile, Gary Neville was left “absolutely stunned” after United’s surprise 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night.