Man Utd target’s price has ‘rocketed’ to £45m and they are ‘alerted to availability’ of Bayern star

Man Utd will reportedly have to pay £45m to sign Netherlands and PSV star Cody Gakpo in January as his valuation has ‘rocketed’ in recent months.

The Red Devils will have to dig deeper in their pockets if they want to sign Gakpo in January.

The attacker could have been bought for around £25m in the summer but he ended up staying at PSV.

Man Utd, Leeds United and Southampton were in for him at that time but fewer clubs will be able to afford him now.

This comes after he him grabbing nine goals and 12 assists in 14 appearances in the Eredivisie at the start of this season.

Gakpo also enhanced his reputation at the World Cup as he was the leading scorer for the Netherlands with his three goals in Qatar.

The Dutchman has openly admitted that he would consider a move to Man Utd next month.

“I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?

“Now I wait (for) everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”

Man Utd are known to be admirers of Gakpo and he could be signed as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had his contract terminated last month.

Football Insider are reporting that the Red Devils are the ‘only club to have held talks’ with PSV over signing Gakpo.

United have been in ‘regular contact’ with the player’s representatives and they are aware that his asking price has ‘rocketed’ in recent months.

Gakpo is open to the move but ‘the major stumbling block is agreeing a fee’ with the Dutch outfit.

The report claims that they are now ‘holding out for £45m’ following the player’s ‘bounce’ at the World Cup.

One of United’s priorities is to sign a new attacker and is another is to recruit a new right-back.

Diogo Dalot has been in great form this term but there has been pressure on him to perform with Erik ten hag not being a fan of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The former Crystal Palace man has only played for a couple of minutes this term and it is likely that he will leave in January if Man Utd receive an offer.

United will only let him go if they secure a replacement though and BILD (via Sports Mole) are reporting that they have been ‘alerted to the availability’ of Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.

The report notes that the player is ‘open’ to leaving the Bundesliga giants. 

Pavard was linked with Man Utd…