GAKPO ALTERNATIVE – Ten Hag unconvinced by Gakpo as Man Utd chase double deal for World Cup talents.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is growing apprehensive about signing Cody Gakpo, whose price tag has more than doubled in a matter of months.Over the summer, the Red Devils held talks with Gakpo over a £25m-£30m transfer. 

They eventually chose to drop their interest as the hunt for Antony became more intense. And their decision almost allowed Leeds to sign him.

However, Gakpo’s excellent play this season has piqued United’s interest once more. This season, the PSV star has 30 goal contributions from 24 games, including three goals in four World Cup appearances.

As a result, Graeme Bailey, our transfer guru, has run the rule over the race to recruit the 23-year-old sensation, with Liverpool also strongly in the mix.

But, with Gakpo in high demand, his suitors are now looking at a £50m-£55m offer to sign him. That’s more than double what he could have gotten in the summer.

With the price obviously only going up, the Daily Mirror reports that Ten Hag is considering another choice.

And they noticed that United manager Jose Mourinho prefers the appearance of Portugal forward Rafael Leao. Leao, like Gakpo, can play across the forward line, off the wings, or into the middle. Ten Hag, whose valuation is closer to £100 million, appears to believe a sale can be struck for a similar sum as Gakpo.

United desires Moises Caicedo and Rafael Leao

Leao’s contract at AC Milan is set to expire in the summer of 2024, and the club is desperate to extend it. However, if a deal cannot be reached, he may be forced to sell in January. Milan has previously been stung by free agents such as Franck Kessie and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

And, while Leao’s contract is still valid for another 18 months, he might leave for a sizable sum next month.

This appears to have opened the door for United to make a move for Leao, who is also desired by Chelsea.

Ten Hag is also said to be keen on signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

His Ecuador squad was eliminated from the World Cup in the group stages, but the midfielder made an impression.

Caicedo only makes £10,000 per week at Brighton, therefore Ten Hag appears to be optimistic about his chances of signing him.

While Brighton may seek up to £75 million, columnist Simon Phillips believes a deal is in the works.

“Manchester United is also interested in him, so there are other clubs,” he told Givemesport. “I don’t think anything will be done for Caicedo in January; I think it will be in the summer.”

Caicedo has also stated his desire to play with the Red Devils.

“I want to play for Manchester United.” “Antonio Valencia is a role model to look up to,” the Ecuador international told The Athletic.

“He was able to reach that level because of his strength and determination.” That inspires me to continue working hard and doing the right things.”

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