Manchester United preparing their offer for PSV’s £35 million rated forward Cody Gakpo

According to a new report, Manchester United are now preparing to submit an offer for highly rated PSV winger Cody Gakpo. 

As reported by Sky Sports News, the 23-year-old would be United’s first attacking signing of the summer. 

The PSV forward looks to have replaced Antony as United’s forward target, with the Red Devils ultimately being priced out of a move for the Ajax winger.

Importantly, the report noted that the stance of PSV who are managed by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is not to price any bidding sides out of a move.

Instead, when it comes to potential sales PSV reportedly believe that rejecting offers for their star players from clubs with heavy financial backing would be ‘implausible.’ 

Cody Gakpo against Wales for the Netherlands. (Alamy)

Gakpo, who has made 137 appearances during his time at PSV has been highly praised by those around him. The Dutch international, who is a product of the PSV academy has scored 45 goals for the senior squad, whilst also picking up 35 assists. 21 of Gakpo’s goals came last season, with the winger making 47 appearances for the Eindhoven based side. 

If Gakpo was to join United, he would be the club’s third signing from the Eredivisie this window, following the arrival of both Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez.

The signing would also mean that new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who himself came from the Dutch league has signed a player from each of the top three sides in last season’s Eredivisie campaign.

Gakpo would present himself as welcome backup for United’s frontline, with the Red Devils desperately in need of reinforcements for their attack.

Erik ten Hag. (Man Utd)

In their opening Premier League game against Brighton, United’s players failed to score a single goal, with their only goal in a 2-1 defeat coming thanks to an own-goal from Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.

As of the time of writing, Manchester United striker Anthony Martial remains out of action with a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains unclear. 

It was reported earlier this week following United’s defeat against Brighton, that Ronaldo is still looking to secure a move away from Old Trafford this window.

Additionally, United have ruled themselves out of a move for Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic, with the club making the decision in part due to fan outrage surrounding a potential move for the striker.

Gakpo would be United’s fourth signing of the window, with Christian Eriksen joining the aforementioned Malacia and Martinez signings.

Another signing that could be entering the Old Trafford doors soon is Adrien Rabiot, with the two clubs reportedly agreeing a fee and personal terms to be discussed in the coming days.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, a name known well by Manchester United fans, is yet another name on Erik ten Hag's reported list, with the club considering a £57.5 million bid for the Lazio midfielder.

Manchester United will face Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League as the club look's to make amends for their opening weekend defeat to Brighton.