PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy claims he is ‘relaxed’ about the speculation linking Cody Gakpo to his former club .
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Gakpo has been of interest to United for most of the summer, with Erik ten Hag keen to bring a new forward to Old Trafford, with ’s Antony also linked.
Reports suggest that Gakpo is available for around £40million, about half of what Ajax are asking for Antony, which may make him a much more appealing prospect to United, but PSV are reluctant to sell.
Of course, anything could happen between now and the end of the transfer window next week, but Van Nistelrooy does not appear to be worried about losing his star player.
‘I think I am very relaxed about the situation,’ the United legend said in his pre-match press conference ahead of PSV’s Champions League play-off second leg against Rangers.
‘There have been rumours about him since the beginning of the season almost eight weeks ago. And we have not seen Cody changing his behaviour up to now.
‘There were rumours over the whole period, and I admire that a lot in him. He is working on his development on a daily basis, playing in games and reaching his level.
‘He is not distracted, he is focused on the games he has to play and focused on tomorrow’s game with his teammates. For a young guy like him it is special to see that attitude.’
‘It’s obvious [we want him to stay]. As long as he’s a PSV player he’s here. That’s what I’ll focus on and him as well.
‘There’s no if or what ifs. He’s a PSV player until further notice.’
23-year-old Gakpo enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2021/22, scoring 21 goals and making 15 assists in 47 games across all competitions, and has started this campaign in flying form with three goals and four assists in just six matches.
It has been suggested by the Dutch international himself that his future may depend on whether or not PSV make it to the Champions League group stage, and with the tie against Rangers currently at 2-2, Wednesday night’s game is set to be a pivotal one for Manchester United’s plans.
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