Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle to sign PSV Eindhoven striker Cody Gakpo, according to a report.
Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo in 2023.
The Netherlands international was the subject of interest from a number of clubs during the summer window before ultimately deciding to stay in his homeland.
Having seen Gakpo’s qualities first-hand during his time in the Eredivisie, Erik ten Hag was reportedly leading the charge for Man United to secure the attacker’s signature.
Arsenal and Leeds United were also credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, who was confirmed to have been the subject of talks by the Whites over a summer move.
Gakpo remains under contract at the Philips Stadion until 2026, having only signed a new deal in January, but recently admitted he was ready to take the next step in his career next year.
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“I think at the end of this season I’ll be ready to take that step. I feel like I was at the beginning of this season, but after this season I’m even more ready to take that next step.” Gakpo told NOS.
“Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. It would be an honor to play there, but I also have to see what kind of team I would like the most.”
Now, Football Insider claim Man United are closer to winning the race for Gakpo’s signature after reaching an agreement in principle for the Dutchman.
The report adds that the Red Devils have yet to try to convince PSV to part with Gakpo in January, otherwise they will have to wait until the summer to complete the move.
Despite interest from the likes of Leeds, Southampton and Everton, Gakpo is also said to be considering a move to a rival European club, putting Man United at a huge advantage.
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A fee of €30m (£25.8m) could be enough to land Gakpo in January, although his stock could rise if he enjoys a strong World Cup spell with the Netherlands.
However, with Man United freeing up £500,000-a-week in wages following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure by mutual consent, they are not worried about paying more.
Gakpo has come through the ranks at PSV since joining in 2007 and has now amassed 55 goals and 50 assists in 159 games for the club in all competitions.
The Dutchman won the KNVB-Beker with his side in the 2021-22 season, and scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 24 games for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men in the first half of the 2022-23 campaign.
Gakpo already has two goals in two matches at the 2022 World Cup for the Netherlands against Senegal and Ecuador as the Oranje top Group A with four points from their opening two games.
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