Transfer talks with Manchester United led to a less-than ideal preparation for the new season for Cody Gakpo, PSV Eindhoven director of football Marcel Brands has claimed.
The Dutch club are undergoing a transition behind the scenes after technical director John de Jong’s exit, amid reports PSV’s board wanted to see £43million-rated Gakpo sold to either United, Arsenal or Leeds.
But Brands has affirmed that the young striker’s future was never in doubt because no club met his asking price and the player did not want to leave.
“Cody has had a difficult preparation with us because he has spoken with Manchester United,” he told ED.
“They didn't come until mid-August and didn't go through. I even think Cody wouldn't have left at the end of the transfer window, if the right amount had been offered.
“There has been no bid that approached the lower bound of what we agreed with Cody.”
Gakpo, 23, is determined to win a place in the Dutch World Cup squad and has bounced back from his uncertain summer with a flurry of goals, hitting nine in 12 games across all competitions.
