by Manchester United have been told that Cody Gakpo “will make decisions” over his future at PSV Eindhoven, after Ruud van Nistelrooy spoke to the press ahead of his side’s Europa League clash against Arsenal.
Erik ten Hag was keen on bringing Gakpo to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, yet a deal failed to materialise ahead of the September 1 deadline. United’s pursuit of the Dutch forward came to an abrupt end due to the hefty fee that Ajax were demanding over Antony.
United ended up spending £225million on six new signings during the window, as the budget failed to stretch far enough to sanction a move for Gakpo as well. United and Ten Hag continue to be linked with a move for the 23-year-old, yet the Dutchman has been warned by the club’s football director John Murtough that a January transfer will be challenging to complete.
One potential advantage that United hold in their bid to sign Gakpo ahead of other interested clubs, comes in the form of former Red Van Nistelrooy. The Dutch club’s coach could well convince his young player that Old Trafford is the perfect place for him to develop, should the winger leave PSV in the near future.
Van Nistelrooy was asked about Gakpo’s future ahead of PSV’s Europa League clash with Arsenal on Thursday night, as he admitted that multiple clubs were interested in their star player.
He said: “It’s not only Premier League clubs after him. His quality and form over the last three or four months has been exceptional. His stats and goals draw the attention of big clubs in European football.
“He is 23 and is focusing on his career with us at club level and having a great World Cup. He wants to continue that.”When the time comes he will make decisions.”
