Cody Gakpo: Man Utd watch on as Premier League bid with big fee issue ‘immediately’ rejected

Southampton have failed with an offer for PSV Eindhoven winger and reported Manchester United target Cody Gakpo, a report says.

The Dutchman is a man in demand this summer after his recent exploits for the Eredivisie club and his country. Arsenal and Leeds had earlier interest in Gakpo, but are now unlikely to sign him.

More recently, it is Man Utd who have supposedly taken up the mantle to snap the 23-year-old up.

Despite shelling out £84million to sign Antony from Ajax, reports have claimed that new manager Erik ten Hag could link up with his fellow countryman Gakpo in a separate deal.

Indeed, Gakpo revealed in a recent interview that Old Trafford is a “serious option” for him.

However, he added that there are “other options” and The Telegraph has now revealed a bid from Southampton.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have offered £21.4million (€25million) to PSV, who have ‘immediately’ rejected the proposal. PSV are instead looking for £38.4million including add-ons, given Gakpo has four years left on his contract.

Everton are also supposedly keen on the seven-cap Netherlands star as they look to add firepower to their team.

Southampton have already made six signings, with former Rangers man Joe Aribo, 25, their most senior acquisition.

Hasenhuttl has mostly opted for youth talents such as Manchester City’s ex-academy goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and 20-year-old striker Sekou Mara.

Gakpo would present a step up in class for the Saints, then, amid his role in Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands squad.

The Telegraph adds that United will in fact not be signing Gakpo before Thursday’s transfer deadline. They are reportedly happy with just signing Antony.

Gakpo has scored 46 goals and assisted 39 others in 143 PSV appearances. He has made a flying start to this season too, directly contributing to 10 goals in eight games.

Gakpo set for busy few days

It remains to be seen whether any Premier League club – be it Southampton, Everton or another – stumps up the cash for Gakpo.

He has admitted that staying at PSV would “certainly not be bad”, although he has also enjoyed the transfer interest.

What is true is that Gakpo faces a busy few days before the transfer window closes. His agent will no doubt be listening to all the proposals that arrive for their client.

Should Gakpo move on, his pedigree early in his career would make him an exciting proposition for the Premier League.

And moving to a club of Southampton’s size would also likely earn him more game time than if he moved to Man Utd.

If he stays at PSV, though, Gakpo can continue to light up the Eredivisie and would also be looking to impress in the Europa League – especially against Arsenal in the group stages.

A subsequent resolution over his future may then come in January or next summer, when he will have one less year on his contract.