According to Rob Dawson, the ESPN correspondent for Manchester United, United are potentially exploring the possibility of signing Cody Gakpo or Rafael Leao, based on the recommendations of Erik ten Hag.
🚨🚨🌕| JUST IN: #mufc are actively looking at signing Cody Gakpo or Rafael Leão in January. On Erik ten Hag’s orders. [@RobDawsonESPN]
— centredevils. (@centredevils) November 26, 2022
Even though Gakpo and Leao have been in excellent form for their clubs, they have shown that they can perform on the biggest stage with the world watching as they have both scored goals for their respective nations at the World Cup.
Gakpo got on the scoresheet for the Netherlands in their win over Senegal and scored again against Ecuador.
PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpo has been on United’s radar since the summer and it looks like Erik ten Hag will try and convince him to come to Old Trafford.
During the summer, Manchester United were heavily linked with the Dutchman as they were deliberating whether to sign Antony or Gakpo, but they went for the former as they signed the former Ajax man for £80 million.
Gakpo was under serious consideration to join United in the summer as the PSV forward revealed that United manager Erik ten Hag spoke with him to discuss a move to Old Trafford [The Times].
However, even though it did not work out in the summer, United might revisit their attempts to sign the Dutchman because United and Ronaldo have now gone their separate ways after the club terminated his contract after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
A deal to bring Gakpo to United could cost as little as £42m according to transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano, which would be seen as an excellent signing for United if they can secure the deal because he can play in a number of different positions across the forward line.
Cody Gakpo remains one to watch for 2023 on the transfer market — he has now scored or assisted 33 goals in all competitions this season. ⭐️🇳🇱 #Qatar2022
PSV Eindhoven want around €50m package for Gakpo, as last summer — when Man Utd decided to invest on Antony as priority. pic.twitter.com/XYB0nQqyiK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 21, 2022
The possibility of signing Portugal’s Leao, who scored for Portugal in their 3-2 win over Ghana at the World Cup, is an interesting one given that he has been linked with several clubs in the past, including Chelsea [si.com].
It looks like Portugals night! 🇵🇹
Rafael Leão with a tidy finish 👏#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MWDWaC1ulj
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 24, 2022
One thing that would help United in their attempts to sign the AC Milan man is the club’s relationship with super agent Jorge Mendes.
Leao’s current contract with current Serie A champions, AC Milan expires in 2024, and fans are extremely keen for him to put pen to paper on a new contract as his goal at the World Cup could see an array of suitors lined up for AC Milan’s prized asset [Football Italia.net].
The 23-year-old is a hot prospect in the transfer market for clubs such as United because in his 14 games this season, he has scored 6 goals and set up his team-mates 5 times [Transfermarkt.com].
Leao’s best position is on the left of a front three, however, he can play as a centre-forward, which can be a useful option for ten Hag and Man United.
According to some media outlets, it has emerged that AC Milan have set a €100 million asking price for the Portugal wide man [The Peoples Person].