"I think..." - Cody Gakpo responds to Manchester United transfer rumours as 'deal agreed'

Cody Gakpo has responded to speculation linking him with a January transfer to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old has been the star of the Netherlands’ opening two World Cup games, having scored against both Senegal and Ecuador.

Meanwhile at club level the forward has been in imperious form, having netted 12 goals and registered 15 assists across all competitions for PSV.

After the departure of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd only have two senior players recognised as being able to operate as the main striker - the injury-prone Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Erik ten Hag will be keen to bolster his attacking options in the January window and Gakpo has been cited as a likely option for the Old Trafford club.

Gakpo responds to rumours

Man Utd held talks with Gakpo in the summer over the prospect of a move, before Erik ten Hag opted to buy Ajax’s Antony for £85million. The Netherlands international subsequently admitted it was a “shame” the transfer didn’t come off.

However, Football Insider now claims that Man Utd have reached an agreement in principle for the attacker, though still need to convince the PSV man of the merits of a move to Old Trafford.

Gakpo has since responded to the speculation, insisting that he is not thinking about the January window, and instead focused on the World Cup.

Speaking after a disappointing draw with Ecuador, Gakpo said: “I’m focused now on the World Cup. It’s always nice to hear but I just focus here and do my best.

“I don’t get shy about the rumours. It’s nice things that people write, but I’m not too concerned with that.

“I’m not surprised. I know what I’m capable of but it’s always a challenge to reach your highest level possible and I think I’m not there yet. I think I can improve in a lot of things.

“It’s a team sport, it’s not about one person. I prefer it to be about the team. Right now I’m busy with the Dutch team.

“I’ll see what happens in the winter. In soccer, anything is possible.”

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Netherlands, PSV, Cody Gakpo, Football World Cup, Erik Ten Hag

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.