Man Utd gave Cody Gakpo transfer boost as PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy opens door to exit after World Cup heroics

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY won’t stand in the way of Cody Gakpo if ex-club Manchester United make a suitable offer for his services.

The Red Devils tried to sign the Dutch superstar in the summer and are understood to be eyeing a January swoop for him.

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And former United hitman Van Nistelrooy insists he will not try to stop the 23-year-old from moving to Old Trafford if the price the club is asking is met.

The PSV boss told Voetbal International: “It’s wonderful how he presented himself.

“I enjoyed watching him [at the World Cup] and he deserves it because of his conduct, work and performance.

“I was able to help him up close and that makes me proud. And then I will show him his way when the time comes.”

Van Nistelrooy would prefer to leave Gakpo next summer but doesn’t mind him leaving Phillips Stadium in January.

He continued: “If I have a choice, I prefer summer, but it can also be now.

“You just know there will come a time when you can’t say no.”

PSV will not part with Gakpo on the cheap – and will demand a fee that tops Hirving Lozano’s record £39million sale in summer 2019.

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Sporting director Marcel Brands said earlier this week: “You have to be realistic.

“If you talk about Cody Gakpo and the price that comes with it, there might be 10 to 12 clubs in Europe that can afford him.

“Amounts have not been discussed but if the right club comes along Cody would be happy to leave.

“These arrangements were already in place before I came. It has to be a record transfer for PSV anyway.

“Then you know which way to go.”

He added: “In the media it seems like all clubs are lining up but the reality is we don’t know anything about interest or anything yet.

“It is quiet. I spoke to Cody, he’s going on vacation for 10 days.

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“If there’s something at play, Cody or his management may be aware of it, but not us yet.”

Gakpo and his PSV team-mates are set to return to the league on January 7, welcoming Sparta Rotterdam to the Phillips Stadium.