Former Netherlands international Rene Van de Kerkhof has been informed that Real Madrid are targeting Manchester United target Cody Gakpo.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo since the summer, when Erik ten Hag prioritised a move for Antony from Ajax. There is a distant possibility that both players could be at Old Trafford next season, but it sounds like United will need to fight off interest from Real Madrid.
Speaking to Spanish publication AS, Van de Kerkhof stated that he has reliable sources in Spain who claim Real Madrid want to sign Gakpo as Karim Benzema’s successor.
“I have reliable Spanish sources that report that Real wants to get Cody Gakpo as Benzema’s successor,” Van de Kerkof said.
“What I heard is that they have a serious interest in Gakpo there, but PSV certainly should not sell it for less than €75 million this winter. Although that amount is not a problem for that club.”
Talks took place between United and Gakpo’s entourage and the rumours have only strengthened in recent months, with Gakpo continuing to provide goals at club and international level.
Moreover, PSV’s director of football Marcel Brands has admitted the club are preparing to sell their most prized asset after his performance attracted the eye of the world in Qatar this winter.
Brands says PSV will not stand in his way if he wishes to depart.
“You have to be realistic. When you talk about Cody Gakpo and the price tag, how many clubs are able to buy a player of that calibre? You are talking about maybe 10 or 12 clubs in Europe,” Brands told the PSV supporters’ club talk show Eeuwig Trouw.
“You have to need a player in that position and be able and willing to spend the money in January, which is normally less hectic than the summer. We have yet to see if it all happens. He has no clause or anything.
“And no amounts have been agreed on either. The agreements that were made were there before my time. Amounts have not been discussed, but if the right club comes that Cody would like to go.
“Those agreements were already made before I came. It must be a record transfer for PSV anyway. Then you know in which direction it should go.”
Let us know in the comments section if you think United should make Gakpo a primary target. I certainly hope he doesn’t snub us for Real Madrid like Benzema did many moons ago!
