Romano warns Leeds that Man Utd could sign £43m target in January

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Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Leeds United could miss out on the signing of Cody Gakpo to English rivals Manchester United, who remain interested in the PSV Eindhoven star.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the journalist revealed that Gakpo is still an option for Erik Ten Hag as we approach the January transfer window, with the winger having the same agent as the United manager as the Red Devils were linked with a move for the Dutch international.

Despite interest from numerous Premier League clubs, it was Leeds who were seemingly the closest to sign Gakpo, with reports suggesting that Jesse Marsch’s side made a £43m bid on deadline day to bring the winger to Elland Road. However, as we know, the transfer failed to happen.

With Gakpo expected to be selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the attacker has the potential to win even more suitors if he impresses for the Netherlands in Qatar. And for Romano, the youngster could perform well enough to entice a move from United despite Leeds’s strong interest in the PSV star.

Romano said when asked about Gakpo’s future in the January transfer window: “Cody Gakpo could be one to watch. We know he was really close to joining Leeds towards the end of the summer, and for Man United, he was a serious option as well.”

Romano added: “They had good contacts with the player, he shares an agent with Erik ten Hag, and there is a feeling that English clubs will come back in for Gakpo in January. United know he could be an option, and how he performs in the World Cup could end up being important for his future.”

Leeds missing out on Cody Gakpo signing to Manchester United will sting

Leeds were on the cusp of signing Gakpo in the summer, yet with a deal collapsing, the Dutch winger’s future now looks more uncertain than ever. And should United land the Holland star in January, it will be a bitter blow for the Whites, who would have missed out on a major target to one of their biggest rivals.

Indeed, whether United reignite their interest in Gakpo in the Winter is one thing, but current signs are not looking good for Leeds, who could make a real statement if they were to win the race for the attacker in 2023 to add to their growing collection of exciting players.