There is ‘probably some substance’ to the speculation surrounding Leeds United and winger Cody Gakpo, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The PSV Eindhoven ace has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks after enjoying a very productive campaign for his boyhood club.

What is the latest news involving Gakpo?

French outlet FootMercato have revealed that Leeds are ‘very attentive to the situation’ of Gakpo as they begin to plan for life without key attacker Raphinha.

It’s claimed that PSV are set to demand €30 million (£26m) for their prized asset, who has established himself as one of the most exciting and promising young stars in Dutch football.

Gakpo found the back of the net on 21 occasions throughout 2021/22, providing a further 15 assists in 46 appearances, claiming the Dutch Cup along the way.

The "creative" Netherlands international almost exclusively plays on the left-hand side, allowing him to cut in onto his favoured right foot and could be ready to take the next step in his career.

Leeds have been credited with an interest in several other alternative targets, though, and it remains to be seen whether Jesse Marsch’s charges make a formal approach for Gakpo.

What has Crook said about Gakpo?

Wolves’ Adama Traore is one name also believed to be on Leeds’ radar, although Crook is unsure about that potential move and revealed Gakpo’s name has ‘been mentioned’ to him previously.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I’m not sure about Traore. He didn't pull up any trees in Barcelona, and his stats for Wolves over the last couple of years haven’t been particularly good. And they’d want semi-decent money for him.

“Gakpo is one that has been mentioned to me on a couple of occasions. So, I think there's probably some substance to that.”

Do Leeds need Gakpo?

Partly due to the extensive injury issues of star striker Patrick Bamford, Leeds struggled to score last season, with their tally of 42 Premier League goals the joint-fifth lowest in the division.

The Athletic’s reliable reporter David Ornstein has also recently revealed that Arsenal are becoming increasingly confident of securing a deal for Raphinha after seeing their opening offer turned down.

Therefore, adding some additional firepower to Leeds’ forward line will surely be a priority for Marsch this summer, and Gakpo’s would surely provide exactly that.