Everton have ramped up the race for Cody Gakpo after Frank Lampard dispatched a scout to watch the PSV Eindhoven star in action.
Gakpo is on Manchester United ’s radar as they look to improve Erik ten Hag’s squad, but the 23-year-old is one of the most in-demand players in Europe right now. He has also been linked with Arsenal, and with just 10 days left in the summer transfer window, the race is hotting up.
The PSV forward returned an impressive 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 league games last year and has started this season with two goals in his opening two Eredivisie games. Lampard wanted to take a closer look at his ability, so sent Everton scout Steve Davis on a watching brief for PSV’s 2-2 draw against Rangers in the Champions League play-off first leg at Ibrox last week.
The Sun says that the second leg of the tie could be crucial in determining Gakpo’s future. Should the Dutch side lose the tie on Wednesday then they will miss out on vital funds provided by qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League and that could encourage Gakpo to move to the Premier League.
Everton are still on the lookout for a replacement for Richarlison, who they sold to Tottenham for £60million last month. Gakpo is seen as an exciting but realistic prospect for the Toffees, who are also battling to keep Anthony Gordon following the rejection of a £45m bid from Chelsea.
Gakpo is understood to be keen on joining Ten Hag at Old Trafford and United could have an advantage given PSV’s manager is the club’s former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. PSV are in a relatively strong position, with Gakpo under contract until June 2026, but may be forced to sell should an offer of over £35m land.
What do you make of the transfer race? Where will Cody Gakpo end up this summer? Comment below.
United are known to prefer Antony, who starred for two seasons under Ten Hag at Ajax, but could move for cheaper alternative Gakpo if the Amsterdam club stands firm. Ajax rejected United’s £67.9million bid for the Brazil forward last week, prompting the 22-year-old to go on strike.
Asked if he could reassure Ajax fans he would stay, Antony replied: “No, to be perfectly honest, I can't. What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, business partners and Ajax, which is good for everyone.
“In the end, God determines my future. I am very happy at Ajax, I have a contract until the summer of 2025 and I will give everything for this beautiful club for every second. I wear the shirt with pride and from day one I feel at home. If we all decide that I will stay here, then I know that this is the best thing for me and the club. It’s not like I have to leave.
“Now I am focusing on playing football and have put all other matters in the hands of my agents and my brother. They will advise me on what is best.”
