Devesh Kumar
Transfer News: Ruud van Nistelrooy has hinted that Manchester United target Cody Gakpo could be sold in January
In what will come as a boost to Manchester United in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, their head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has hinted that the player could leave the club in January.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Manchester-based club. He was on the radar during the summer and the player even admitted that he held talks with boss Erik ten Hag about a potential move.
Now, former Red Devils striker and PSV coach Nistelrooy, while speaking to Voetbal International (h/t Manchester Evening News) has hinted that he could be forced to sell the Dutchman next month, although he would prefer to let him leave next summer.
“If I have the choice, I prefer the summer, but it can also be now. You just know there comes a time when you can’t say no.”
Gakpo has been one of the most in-form players in Europe this season. The 23-year-old has scored 13 times and assisted another 17 in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch club.
He continued his form at the World Cup too, where he scored three in five games and the Netherlands crashed out in the quarter-finals, losing 6-5 on penalties to current finalist Argentina.
Ten Hag needs to add a striker to his team. The termination of Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract last month has left the side with no natural striker. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial can play in the centre, but the former has found more success on the wings, while the latter has struggled with injuries this season.
Although Gakpo is primarily a left-winger, the 23-year-old can be deployed anywhere in the front line. He has also shown that he is equally threatening when used as an attacking midfielder, giving Ten Hag multiple options to use him.
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With Nistelrooy hinting that the player could leave next month, the Red Devils should be prepared to make an adequate offer to make it true. It remains to be seen if Ten Hag can land his target this time.
