PSV set new asking price for Manchester United target Cody Gakpo | Football
PSV Eindhoven will resist interest in Manchester United target Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window and have significantly increased their asking price, according to reports.
The Netherlands international came close to leaving the Eredivisie giants in the summer with United having weighed up a move before they signed Antony from Ajax, while Leeds also made a late approach.
In the end he decided to stay at PSV and has netted nine times and laid on 12 assists in just 14 league appearances, with his excellent form continuing at the World Cup.
Gakpo has netted three times in Qatar so far – with the 3-1 victory over USA in the last 16 the only match in which he has failed to find the back of the net – and will be looking to continue that hot streak against Argentina in Friday’s quarter-final.
United are once again tracking Gakpo and are ready to reignite a move in January after terminating Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract.
The departure of the veteran Portuguese forward has left Erik ten Hag with only Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as his senior striker options, but Gakpo has played the role with increasing regularity for both club and country.
However, The Times are reporting that United will have to spend big to land Gakpo in January with his performances in both the Eredivisie and the World Cup strengthening PSV’s negotiating position.
In the summer, the Dutch side had valued Gakpo at around €30million (£26m) but that asking price has now increased to in excess of €50m (£43m) – and that will keep rising if he continues to impress in Qatar.
PSV also believe that Gakpo could be convinced to remain at his hometown club until the end of the season due to their strong performances in the league, with the side just three points off top spot.
Gakpo spoke about the speculation that had surrounded him over the summer in an interview with Dutch newspaper NRC this week, saying: ‘That was a tough period. I learned from that. I’m going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.
‘I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
‘Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.’
MORE : Ryan Babel tells Cody Gakpo to join Arsenal over Manchester United
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