Man Utd 'leading race' for £50m World Cup star 'every club will be looking at' | OneFootball

Manchester United are leading the way to sign Netherlands international Cody Gakpo, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Red Devils are said to be at the front of the queue to bring the PSV star to Old Trafford, as he continues to impress for his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Manchester United transfer news – Cody Gakpo

Earlier this week, Jones informed GiveMeSport that the Old Trafford side now wish they’d secured a deal for Gakpo’s services during the summer transfer window.

Since then, his stock has risen drastically, having chalked up nine goals and twelve assists in just 14 Eredivisie appearances this season, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s now being claimed by The Sun that a number of clubs are keen on Gakpo, including Everton, West Ham and Southampton, while Newcastle and Liverpool have also been linked with the 23-year-old.

Meanwhile, pundit Dean Ashton recently declared that “every club” will be taking a look at Gakpo right now.

Following his goal against Senegal in the World Cup group stages, Ashton told talkSPORT: “A young player at the top of his game, brimming with his confidence after his goal against Senegal. What a star this young man is going to be. He is just one of those rising stars that every club will be looking at.”

United are said to be preparing a January swoop for the Orange forward with PSV prepared to cash-in for around £50m.

What has Dean Jones said about Cody Gakpo?

Speaking to GMS, Jones insisted that United are leading the way to sign Gakpo, and hinted a deal could be made during the upcoming transfer window.

However, the transfer insider also warned that there are no guarantees the in-demand attacker will end up at Old Trafford.

Jones told GiveMeSport: “I don’t think it’s nailed on that Gakpo joins Manchester United but they are definitely leading the way and I think this is still going to be something that continues into the January transfer window.”

Will Gakpo change clubs after the World Cup?

It seems more than likely. Gakpo has excelled at the World Cup with three goals in four appearances as per Whoscored. He’s also completed 2.3 key passes, 1.3 dribbles and 1.3 shots per match.

While his performances may be overshadowed by household names such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi come the end of the tournament, Gakpo would theoretically be a lot more attainable for interested parties next month.

As well as the fact PSV have already reportedly set a price-tag of £50m, it’s no secret that the Eredivisie model revolves around cashing in on their best players when their stock is highest.

Just this summer, United forked out £86m to sign Antony from Ajax, while the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Hakim Ziyech, Donny van de Beek and Frenkie De Jong were all sold to major European clubs in the transfer windows following the Amsterdam outfit’s run to the 2019 Champions League semi-final.

It simply makes sense for PSV to sell while they can ensure maximum value for Gakpo, and his World Cup form combined with moving midseason should guarantee that.