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Manchester United-linked Cody Gakpo currently firmly focused on World Cup

Man United-linked Gakpo currently firmly focused on World Cup
© Reuters
PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands attacker Cody Gakpo says that talk surrounding a potential move to Manchester United can wait until after the 2022 World Cup.

Cody Gakpo has insisted that he is "not thinking about" his future club level, with the PSV Eindhoven attacker currently focusing on the 2022 World Cup.

The 23-year-old has been in excellent form for the Netherlands in Qatar, scoring three times in four appearances, with Louis van Gaal's side reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.

Gakpo has also starred for PSV this term, scoring 13 goals and registering 17 assists in 24 appearances in all competitions, and there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future.

Manchester United held talks with the Dutchman over the summer, and the Red Devils are believed to be planning to move for him when the January transfer window opens for business.

However, Gakpo has said that talk surrounding his future at club level can wait, as he is currently focusing on helping Netherlands in their quest for World Cup glory.

Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring for Netherlands against Qatar at the World Cup on November 29, 2022.© Reuters

"I have to be honest, I am not thinking about that now," he told The Athletic. "I am focused on the tournament and want to keep performing well, to keep helping the team.

"Hopefully when we become world champions we can think about other things. I try to keep focused and the other players don't really speak about that kind of thing."

Gakpo has now scored 55 goals and registered 50 assists in 159 appearances for PSV, and he is widely expected to leave the Dutch giants at some stage in 2023.

Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the forward, and Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has said that his international teammate is ready to make the next step.

However, Van Dijk hinted that Gakpo should look beyond a switch to Man United.

Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring for PSV on October 6, 2022© Reuters

"Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level? No disrespect, not at all. I definitely think he has that next step in him," Van Dijk told reporters.

"I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell. He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. We are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue."

Gakpo said earlier in the tournament that "anything is possible" regarding his future.

"I don't get shy about the rumours. But it's a team sport, it's not about one person. I prefer it to be about the team. It's nice things that people write, but I'm not too concerned with that," he told reporters.

"Right now I'm busy with the Dutch team. I'll see what happens in the winter. In football, anything is possible."

Man United are expected to move for a new forward during the January transfer window, as Cristiano Ronaldo's recent departure has left them short of options in the final third of the field.

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Written by
Matt Law

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