Man Utd warned of a Cody Gakpo transfer in January as the PSV boss opens up about failed talks with Ten Hag’s side

PSV EINDHOVEN have revealed numerous clubs including Manchester United and Leeds have failed to match Cody Gakpo’s transfer rating over the summer.

Gakpo, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for months.

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The Red Devils were exploring the possibility of signing him as an alternative to top target Antony when a deal seemed unlikely.

But they eventually signed the winger ahead of deadline for a huge £85.5million fee.

As a result, United’s interest in Gakpo waned but Erik ten Hag is now said to be considering a nosedive ahead of the January window.

A number of other clubs including Leeds, Southampton, West Ham, Everton and Real Madrid have also expressed interest in the Dutchman.

However, PSV football director Marcel Brands is confident that Gakpo will stay in Eindhoven.

Speaking to ESPN about the interest in the winger, he said: “Much has been written that Leeds wanted to pay £43m.

“But there was an offer of £30m plus £11m in bonuses, of which £6m if Leeds made it to the Champions League. And they wanted to distribute the amount by 2028.

“No PSV member doubted that for a second. The Supervisory Board agreed on that.”

Brands also revealed PSV were in talks with Man Utd over a deal for Gakpo before the summer window closed, but the Red Devils refused to pay the asking price of £44m plus bonuses.

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United’s initial hesitation over the deal could potentially complicate future negotiations as the Eredivisie giants are expected to raise the asking price given the winger’s impressive form.

Gakpo has scored 13 goals and provided 16 assists in 22 appearances so far this season.

Despite missing out on a big-money move to the Premier League in the summer, he is still open to a transfer in the near future.

He told The Times: “I’ve always said if I stay here it’s my childhood club. It’s not a punishment.

“I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.

“But if I had the chance to go to the Premier League or something, obviously I would have to consider that option. It was hectic for me at the time, but I recovered pretty quickly.”