PSV Eindhoven will not sell Manchester United target Cody Gakpo before August 24. The striker has responded positively to Manchester United’s approach, and the 23-year-old winger would welcome a summer move to Old Trafford.
United are stepping up their efforts to sign new players before the transfer deadline at the end of the month, following their Premier League opening weekend defeat at home to Brighton.
According to the Daily Record, if they want to sign Dutch international Gakpo, they must now wait until PSV has completed their crucial Champions League play-off against Rangers. The Dutch club is refusing to let the 23-year-old leave until after the second leg meeting on August 24, which is scheduled for 8 p.m.
That means Gakpo will miss the Premier League games against Brentford and Liverpool on August 13 and 22, respectively. Following that, United will face Southampton on August 27 before the transfer window closes on September 1.
On Tuesday night, the player was asked about reports linking him to a move away, and he revealed that his future could be dependent on PSV’s Champions League qualification.
“We must first focus on and try to make it to the Champions League. hen it is more likely that I will stay. I don’t think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay. I’m open for a cup of coffee with the management – or coffee for them and water for me. We’ll see how it goes,”
Gakpo told ESPN.
Due to Anthony Martial’s injury and Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of sharpness, Erik ten Hag was forced to field Christian Eriksen as a false nine against Brighton.
According to reports on Tuesday, United are preparing a 35 million pound offer for Gakpo, which is likely to face far less opposition than other targets they have pursued this summer. PSV are willing to accept a bid of around 35 million, though United are not the only Premier League club interested in Gakpo, with Arsenal also interested.
Gakpo, who plays off the left wing for PSV but can also play through the middle, is represented by Dutch agency SEG, which also represents Ten Hag.
Meanwhile, United return to action on Saturday when they travel to Brentford.
