According to The Mirror, Newcastle United are “strong candidates” to recruit PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo in January.
In the competition to recruit the 23-year-old World Cup sensation, Manchester United is seeking to maintain its position as the favorite. Over ten years ago, when Erik ten Hag was in charge of the PSV academy, the Dutchman worked with him, and the two have remained friends ever since.
The Red Devils will have competition for the £50 million signing despite this. The teenager is a target for Real Madrid, Arsenal, and the Magpies during the winter transfer window.
The Toon are now “major contenders” to sign the statement due to their financial clout.
Gakpo was the subject of much discussion even before the World Cup began. However, it seems this has increased astronomically following a successful tournament in Qatar.
The Netherlands international showed Louis van Gaal’s team his natural goal-scoring sense by scoring in each of his team’s group game matches as an attacker who can play anywhere along the front line.
Having illustrated he is more than capable to perform with the best of the best at the top level, PSV has now conceded they are set to lose the youngster in January.
It would have been unthinkable to have Newcastle discussed in the same transfer race as a team like Madrid before the Public Investment Fund took control of the club.
Although this is a fantastic indication of how far the Toon has come, it also means difficult transfer negotiations. Even if the club has the resources, it will never be easy to attract the top fresh talent because of the allure of these European powerhouses.
Although the Magpies are still viewed as “serious competitors” in the race to sign Gakpo, let’s hope the team can put on a clinic in January.
