Man United ‘beating’ Liverpool in race to sign Netherlands World Cup star Gakpo
Manchester United are reportedly ‘beating’ Liverpool to the signing of PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via HITC), United are ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s side in their bid to tempt Gakpo to Old Trafford. Following the news that Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave the club with immediate effect, the PSV star could well be seen as an ideal replacement for the Portugal international.
He has certainly already caught the eye during the World Cup, as he scored for the Netherlands during their 2-0 win over Senegal on Monday. Erik ten Hag was keen on bringing Gakpo to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, yet a deal failed to materialise ahead of the September 1 deadline.
United’s pursuit of the Dutch forward came to an abrupt end due to the hefty fee that Ajax were demanding over Antony. Although it is by no means enough to cover the entire transfer fee, Ten Hag will be undoubtedly be hoping that the club can use the savings from Ronaldo’s wages to help seal a move for Gakpo.
Elsewhere, Spanish outlet AS claim that Atletico Madrid are yet to receive any official bids for Joao Felix despite being heavily linked with a move away from the club.
The 23-year-old has been in and out favour with Diego Simeone, as he struggles for game time this season. Felix is yet to start a La Liga match since he was named in Atletico’s starting XI against Real Madrid back in September, as United offer a possible option for more regular first-team action.
A price-tag of more than €100million (£87.5m) could prove to be a stumbling block, after Ten Hag spent £225million on six new arrivals in the summer.
