Manchester United 'remain interested in signing Cody Gakpo'

Manchester United are reportedly still firmly in the race for PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo despite failing to land the attacker during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old recently revealed that he spoke to Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag "a few times" to discuss a possible move to Old Trafford in the most recent market.

The 20-time English champions are said to have identified the Netherlands international as an alternative to Antony, but they eventually managed to come to an agreement with Ajax for the Brazilian.

Leeds United and Southampton also tried to sign the attacker before the deadline, but he remained with PSV and has again been in brilliant form during the 2022-23 campaign.

Gakpo has managed 13 goals and 13 assists in 20 appearances in all competitions for his Dutch club, including nine goals and nine assists in 11 Eredivisie outings.

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In total, the forward has scored 55 goals and registered 46 assists in 155 appearances for his Dutch club in all competitions, having made his first-team debut in 2018.

Gakpo still has another four years left to run on his deal in Eindhoven, but it is widely thought that he will be on the move next year.

Arsenal are also believed to be suitors, but according to journalist Dean Jones, Man United are currently better-placed to bring him to the Premier League in 2023.

"He's been brilliant this season for PSV, and there's no doubt that he is going to be looking for a transfer in 2023," Jones told GIVEMESPORT.

"So I still think he's a player that people should take seriously in the Premier League for a transfer. I still think that, probably, Man United are more likely to land him than Arsenal."

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"I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United," Gakpo told The Times earlier this month.

"In the end the deal didn't go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV, because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club."

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leeds and Southampton had wanted to reignite their interest in January, but the duo are now unlikely to be involved in the race for his signature.

Romano claims that 'top European clubs' are in the hunt, with Man United expected to be involved in any race that might occur next year.

Gakpo has scored three times and registered two assists in nine appearances for the Netherlands, meanwhile, and he is expected to be in their squad for the 2022 World Cup.