Leeds 'would like' to sign 'incredible' £38m star at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United would still ‘like to sign’ PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo when the January transfer window reopens, having missed out on him in the summer at Elland Road, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

Jesse Marsch has bolstered his squad since the end of last season, splashing just shy of £100 million on new recruits, but one of their top targets evaded them.

What is the latest on Gakpo?

The 23-year-old has made a fast start to the season in the Netherlands and has already scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in just 13 games in all competitions for club and country.

It is no big surprise then that Gakpo was so heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the summer and has previously been described as ‘incredible’.

Manchester United appeared to be pushing hard for him at one stage, with the Telegraph reporting the Red Devils wanted to bring him in alongside Antony.

The report claimed that the Eredivisie giants were demanding £38 million for their star man but United eventually retreated.

Southampton and Leeds upped the ante in their respective pursuits late in the day as both sides looked to improve their attacks, with the Whites even chartering a private jet for Gakpo.

According to the Athletic, Leeds made their interest very clear when director of football Victor Orta travelled to the Netherlands to try and push through a deal.

But, the report adds, in the end, PSV opted against cashing in on their talisman.

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What has Thornton said on the situation?

Thornton understands that Leeds will be eager to tie up a deal for Gakpo in January.

But the Sky Sports reporter adds that it will not be easy, with the winter World Cup potentially providing another obstacle.

Thornton told GIVEMESPORT: “In an ideal world, would Leeds like to sign him in January? I think, yes. Will they get him in January? Well, there were lots of clubs interested in the last window and if he goes to the World Cup and does really well, then it might be a more difficult deal to get done. It will depend on what happens in the next few months.”

Do Leeds still stand a chance?

According to Football Insider, Gakpo is set to change agents in a move that could signal a shift in his future plans after agreeing to stay with PSV.

However, he is already valued at £38 million and, with his contract not set to expire until 2026, his club still hold all the power.

That fee will only increase if Gakpo impresses with the Netherlands at the World Cup, a situation that will no doubt attract the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs.