Man Utd ‘won’t rule out signing new forward in January’ as Cody Gakpo info emerges

Posted Friday, September 30, 2022 by Express.co.uk

MANCHESTER UNITED could reignite interest in PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo when the transfer window reopens in January.

Manchester United haven’t ruled out signing a new forward in the January transfer window amid links to Cody Gakpo, according to reports. The Red Devils bolstered their attack by bringing in Antony back in the summer. However, with Cristiano Ronaldo still being linked with a departure, it’s possible the fallen Premier League giants will take action in the New Year.

Manchester United are well-stocked for forwards at present.

They have Ronaldo, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford at their disposal as options in the No 9 position, with Jadon Sancho and Antony also battling it out to start.

That’s not even considering Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho, two young gems on their books, while Amad is spending the season on loan at Sunderland.

Now, according to the Manchester Evening News, United ‘won’t rule out moving for a forward in January at this stage’.

They’re mindful that, with the World Cup being played in the winter, there could be some big market opportunities in the New Year.

Man Utd ‘won’t rule out signing new forward in January’ as Cody Gakpo info emerges
Man Utd had transfer interest in Cody Gakpo back in the summer (Image: GETTY)

However, it’s also noted that United may have some ‘major issues’ when it comes to spending big given their huge and lavish summer spending spree.

United signed six players in the transfer window, with Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Martin Dubravka, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia all moving to Old Trafford.

The publication also sheds light on the club’s interest in Gakpo, too.

The PSV Eindhoven star was heavily linked with a move to United after dazzling for his club last term, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists from 27 Eredivisie matches.

He’s already scored eight times from seven league appearances this term, as well as clocking up six assists.

But it’s claimed ‘some of the chatter around him was overplayed in the summer as he is too similar to most of the forwards United currently have’.

That’s despite Gakpo admitting he had been hoping to join United, but their deal for Antony ultimately ruled out a double swoop.

The Netherlands international, who is likely to go to the World Cup, was also tipped to join the likes of Leeds and Southampton.

But he’s at PSV for now and it will likely take a huge offer to land him in January, regardless of how he fares in Qatar this winter.

When it comes to January signings, United have a mixed record.

Man Utd ‘won’t rule out signing new forward in January’ as Cody Gakpo info emerges
Man Utd signed Antony instead of Cody Gakpo back in the summer (Image: GETTY)

Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra both became club legends upon moving from Spartak Moscow and Monaco respectively in January 2006.

But Zoran Tosic and Ricardo were duds under Sir Alex Ferguson, despite the Scot usually having a good eye for transfer deals.

United, since the Scot retired in 2013, have signed three players.

Alexis Sanchez arrived from Arsenal in 2018 with big expectations but, after scoring just five goals, was then offloaded to Inter Milan.

Odion Ighalo was a cult hero at Old Trafford due to his love of United yet the Nigeria international was only ever going to be a short-term option at the tip of their attack.

Man Utd ‘won’t rule out signing new forward in January’ as Cody Gakpo info emerges
Man Utd could reignite Cody Gakpo transfer interest in January (Image: GETTY)

Yet Bruno Fernandes has been a substantial hit since moving from Sporting Lisbon nearly three years ago.

Regarding Gakpo, meanwhile, PSV chief Marcel Brands recently confirmed the club would likely sell if their asking price was met.

"I can say, with my hand on my heart, that there has been no offer for Cody to which the management or the supervisory board have said. We must do this,” he said.

"We did state that if there were certain offers, we would have to sell.

"This is] not only from a financial point of view, but also because agreements were made with the Gakpo camp before my time.”