Newcastle United have been linked with signing Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, but it appears the Magpies face major competition from Manchester United.
That is because TalkSPORT claim that Erik ten Hag’s side are ‘determined’ to bring the Dutch forward to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
They claim that PSV will entertain offers of around £45million, which is similar to a recent report from the Sun that claimed his asking price was going to be around £50million.
Whether it is £45million or £50million, it is going to take a lot money to sign Gakpo next month. But it is a transfer that Man United are seemingly desperate to complete.
So are Newcastle just as keen as them?
Interesting to see if Newcastle challenge Man United to sign Gakpo
Gakpo was briefly a target for Newcastle during the summer, and the Magpies have continued to track him heading into the World Cup according to reports.
They will have been impressed with what they have seen from the 23-year-old. His form for PSV has been incredible, boasting 30 goal contributions already this season.
Those numbers are staggering, and he followed it up by impressing on the international stage. Gakpo was arguably Netherlands’ best player in Qatar, scoring three goals as Louis van Gaal’s side fell at the quarter final stage.
His performances at the World Cup look certain to secure him a big move away next month. And it sounds like Manchester United are the most keen to bring him to the Premier League.
They wanted him in the summer, and are now planning a fresh approach.
So with the Red Devils so keen, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle challenge them. It has been claimed that there will be no major arrivals at St James’ Park in January, yet we continue to be linked with big names like Gakpo.
It is going to take a lot of money to prise him away from PSV – money that the Toon owners might not be prepared to spend.
It will all depend on just how much Newcastle want him. He is a sensational player, and can play anywhere across the front. But we have other targets in that area, and have been linked with Christian Pulisic and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
If they are deemed more attainable, it feels unlikely that Dan Ashworth will get involved in a bidding war with Man United. That is what PSV will want, as they look to get as much money as possible for their star attraction on the back of an impressive World Cup.
Man United are determined to get him. Whether or not Newcastle feel the same remains to be seen.
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