Erik ten Hag could not help but grin as he responded to a fresh line of questioning regarding Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo.
The Red Devils boss faced the press on Friday ahead of his side's return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. With a matter of days remaining until the January transfer window opens, speculation is rife about who United could sign to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract was terminated in November.
PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpo appears to be the priority target for Ten Hag, who has long admired his fellow Dutchman. The 23-year-old leads the way in goals (nine) and assists (12) in the Eredivisie this season and shone for Netherlands at the World Cup.
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy fanned the flames of speculation surrounding Gakpo's future last week by confessing his club may be unable to prevent the player's departure if a sizeable bid is tabled. He said: "If I have the choice, I prefer [Gakpo to leave in] the summer, but it can also be now. You just know there comes a time when you can't say no."
Ten Hag was quizzed about Van Nistelrooy's comments on Friday and was keen to play down United's links with Gakpo. With a smile on his face, he said: "There were many many good players in the World Cup. He (Van Nistelrooy) can say that about many players."
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As for Gakpo's stance on a transfer to United, the Eindhoven native left the door open to leaving his boyhood club as soon as January while speaking at the World Cup. "I'm focused now on the World Cup," he said at a press conference.
"It's always nice to hear [transfer rumours] but I just focus here and do my best. I don't get shy about the rumours. But it's a team sport, it's not about one person.
"I prefer it to be about the team. It's nice things that people write, but I'm not too concerned with that. Right now, I'm busy with the Dutch team. I'll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible."
Gakpo's three goals in the World Cup group stage saw his stock rise even further, a matter of months after the Red Devils unsuccessfully battled Southampton and Leeds for his signature. The youngster is enjoying some time away from the spotlight ahead of the January window as PSV do not return to action until after the Eredivisie's winter break, when they take on Sparta Rotterdam.
