PSV Eindhoven want offers in excess of €50million (£43m) for talisman Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window.
Manchester United are said to be interested in signing the Netherlands international, 23, after releasing Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old's exit has left a gap in Erik ten Hag's squad and Gakpo has been identified as a realistic and affordable target for United.
Gakpo is enjoying a remarkable campaign for PSV, scoring 15 goals and providing 18 assists in 29 club appearances. The forward has carried his form into the Qatar World Cup by scoring in each of the Netherlands' first two games against Senegal and Ecuador.
As reported by Dutch outlet Voetbal International, PSV have slapped a €50m price tag on Gakpo. United should be able to stump up the cash, yet there's every chance his value could increase during the World Cup - especially if he continues to find the net.
There's also the possibility of a 'United Tax' - as it's been referred to in the past. United agreed £85m and £57m deals with Ajax for Antony and Lisandro Martinez respectively in the summer transfer window, with most critics accepting they paid over the odds.
Gakpo is the reigning Dutch Footballer of the Year after scoring 21 goals and providing 15 assists for PSV last season. He is capable of playing down the middle or out wide and would suit Ten Hag's intense style of play due to his energetic, youthful game.
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Gakpo is certainly an exciting talent, but there are no guarantees United will land him. The Red Devils were interested in signing Darwin Nunez from Benfica in the summer transfer window before bitter rivals Liverpool swooped in for the Uruguay international.
Dean Ashton believes the same could happen again because other clubs are likely to be keeping tabs on Gakpo. "What a star this young man is going to be," Ashton told talkSPORT. "He is just one of those rising stars that every club will be looking at."
Nigel de Jong was also keen to wax lyrical about Gakpo after his goal against Ecuador. He told ITV Sport: "He is really a great talent, this is the man who is now in shape for the Orange... This is what we like to see in the Dutch national team."
United have freed up a huge chunk of their budget by saying goodbye to Ronaldo. The Portugal international agreed to leave Old Trafford by mutual consent and it's believed the Red Devils have saved around £15m in wages as a result of the bitter divorce.
Ronaldo's final act as a United player was to criticised the Glazers - the club's owners - and Ten Hag in a scathing interview with Piers Morgan. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also took aim at Ralf Rangnick, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville during the 90-minute chat.
Ronaldo is currently playing for Portugal at the World Cup and it's unclear where his future lies. Newcastle and clubs in Saudi Arabia are reportedly interested in signing him.
