Manchester United have already been told what Cody Gakpo would offer them - by two familiar faces - should he touch down in the Premier League next summer. But a mid-season move to Old Trafford remains unlikely after PSV director Marcel Brands rubbished that suggestion over the last few days.
Gakpo was heavily linked with United when Erik ten Hag was appointed as manager. However, with scope for only one attacking addition to his squad, at that time, the Dutchman chased Antony from Ajax as the fleet-footed Brazil international followed him to M16 from Amsterdam.
But that man Gakpo will not go away - and for good reason. Made to stay put in the Eredivisie this summer, the 23-year-old continues to earn rave reviews for his performances - with 23 games in all competitions this term resulting in 13 goals and 17 assists. Needless to say, United are not the only ones keeping tabs on his output.
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Managed by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Netherlands international has also underlined his leadership skills this season as captain for more than half of his appearances. His attributes are varied and have also drawn another man with United connections, Robin van Persie, to wax lyrical about him.
Speaking about Gakpo and his main positions, Van Persie told BT Sport: "He's a good player and always finds a way in most games to have an influence, in terms of getting an assist or scoring a goal. He's always dangerous.
"He's not really an out-and-out striker; he can play as a number 10, on the [left] wing, as a false striker or on the right wing. He can play in those four positions in the front.
"Cody has a good physique. He's strong, fast and can dribble, he's an all-round player."
Naturally, given his current role in the dugout, Van Nistelrooy would not necessarily want to see Gakpo depart just yet to Old Trafford. However, having forged that pathway during his own playing career, the former United man has given his old club enough reason to come calling for his sought-after signature.
Addressing heavy summer interest in the player, Van Nistelrooy added: "There have been rumours about him since the beginning of the season almost eight weeks ago and we have not seen Cody changing his behaviour up to now. There were rumours over the whole period - and I admire that a lot in him.
"He's working on his development on a daily basis, playing in games and reaching his levels. He's not distracted."
Van Nistelrooy continued: "He's focused on games he has to play and always focused on his next game. For a young guy like him, it's special to see that attitude."
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