Man United target available for cut price but number of clubs are interested

Manchester United suffered their first defeat in nine games on Sunday as they were beaten 3-1 by Aston Villa at Villa Park. 

The Villans scored two early goals to leave United shellshocked and set them on their way to victory in Unai Emery’s first game in charge of the club.

The Red Devils were without Bruno Fernandes who was serving a suspension for picking up five yellow cards, and Erik ten Hag opted to select Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the line.

The 37-year-old struggled though, and failed to add to his single league goal this season.

Now, United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one of their top targets.

According to Fabrizio Romano on his CaughtOffside column, PSV’s Cody Gakpo could be available for around £43 million.

The Duchman has been in sensational form over the past 12 months, and his impressive performances have attracted interest from several clubs, the report claims.

United will therefore face stiff competition for the player’s signature, with Romano claiming that clubs from all over Europe are interested.

Gakpo has started the season in superb form

“For sure Man Utd will face serious competition; English clubs and not only, it’s an open race,” he said.

“Gakpo’s value will be close to €50m again. It depends on bonuses and conditions, but PSV always wanted €50m package for Gakpo.”

Gakpo, 23, has scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 23 games across all competitions so far this season, making him one of the most in-form forwards in Europe.

Last season he scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists, and he therefore appears to fit the profile of player that Ten Hag is keen to sign.

The United boss has previously raided the Eredivisie for Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Feyenoord and former club Ajax respectively, and it appears that he could now once again look to the Dutch top flight for reinforcements.

Over the summer, the likes of Leeds United and Southampton were linked with a move for Gakpo, but it now appears that the two sides are unlikely to stand any chance of winning the race to sign him.

Both Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford are set to be out of contract next summer, meaning United are likely to want to add to their attacking options.