Manchester United have submitted a final offer for Cody Gakpo on Thursday which does not affect their transfer plans for Antony, according to a report.
United have spent a big portion of the summer window trying to beef up their attack. Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has proved a distraction, but the Old Trafford club have made progress on a new signing.
Following Ajax’s rejection of a £67million bid for Brazilian star Antony last week, the Eredivisie side want £84million.
There is hope that, with the 22-year-old’s representatives staying in London until next Thursday’s transfer deadline, both sides can agree a fee.
But Man Utd have been looking elsewhere for new goalscorers. And they have reportedly agreed personal terms with Netherlands international Gakpo.
More recently, United reportedly pulled out of the race for Gakpo to focus on signing Antony.
According to Football Insider, though, Man Utd have decided to have one last crack at signing the former player.
Indeed, a £25million bid for Gakpo has gone in with a week to go until the transfer window slams shut. Crucially. the bid has ‘no bearing’ on the fate of Antony’s proposed move to Old Trafford.
Feeling fairly confident over a deal for the Brazilian, Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag has approved a move for Gakpo in the hope of securing a surprise second signing up top.
Antony remains the top target given Ten Hag promoted him and got the best out of him at Ajax. But a second attacking signing would further help the new manager’s rebuild to advance.
The fact that Gakpo’s representatives are the SEG agency – the same as Ten Hag’s – could boost the chances of a deal.
Gakpo an impressive Man Utd target
Gakpo has been linked with a move to the Premier League before, most notably with Leeds United and Arsenal.
The Whites looked to him as a potential Raphinha replacement before going after Feyenoord’s Luis Sinisterra.
Arsenal, meanwhile, decided to add Gabriel Jesus and Brazilian youngster Marquinhos to their attack this summer instead of Gakpo.
After rising through PSV’s youth ranks, he has scored 45 goals and assisted 37 others for the Dutch club in 142 appearances.
With seven Netherlands caps to his name at the age of 23, he will therefore have his eyes on a World Cup spot.
As such, game time will no doubt factor into his decision this summer if PSV accept the United offer. PSV boss Rudd van Nistlerooy has claimed that Gakpo has continued to be professional amid the interest from the Premier League.
United have the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga. Gakpo may therefore already have decided to stay.
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