Man Utd target Gakpo suggests Champions League qualification will keep him at PSV

Reported Manchester United target Cody Gakpo believes he is more likely to stay at PSV than leave if they qualify for the Champions League.

The 23-year-old winger has been linked with several Premier League clubs in this transfer window, with Leeds United and Arsenal initially considered potential destinations.

United then emerged as apparent suitors following their shock 2-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on matchday one of the Premier League season.

Although the Red Devils have signed Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, it has been a frustrating window for new manager Erik ten Hag, with several other areas of the squad widely deemed to be lacking quality in depth.

Defeat to Brighton only further highlighted some of United’s issues, and reports early in the week suggested a £35million bid was being prepared for Gakpo, a winger who is capable of playing through the middle.

We never give up!#PSVMON #UCL pic.twitter.com/f7aZ3TTWwE

— PSV (@PSV) August 10, 2022

But Gakpo will seemingly be happy to stay at PSV if they can reach the Champions League group stages – they are due to face Rangers in their qualification play-off after the Eredivisie side saw off Monaco in a 4-3 aggregate win that was secured by a dramatic 3-2 success after extra time in Eindhoven on Tuesday.

Asked about his future after the game, Gakpo told ESPN: “We must first focus on and try to make it to the Champions League.

“Then it is more likely that I will stay. I don’t think I have said anywhere that I am leaving, so there is definitely a chance that I will stay.

“I’m open for a cup of coffee with the management – or coffee for them and water for me. We’ll see how it goes.”

Gakpo appeared to be a backup option after United were unable to lure Antony away from Ajax, who reportedly value the Brazilian at approximately €82m (£70m).

It was rumoured that United hoped the presence of former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy – who is head coach at PSV – might have been able to encourage an agreement, but it would appear Gakpo is in no rush to depart.