Manchester United are the favourites to complete the signing of Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The PSV Eindhoven winger is currently at the Qatar World Cup with the Netherlands, but fellow countryman Erik ten Hag is interested in bringing him to Old Trafford, and the United manager appears to be winning the race at present.

Man Utd Transfer News - Cody Gakpo

Former Dutch footballer Hans Kraay Jr. recently told ESPN that Gakpo is 'gone' from PSV and that he will soon be playing in the Premier League, with the Red Devils considered his main option due to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, he highlights Liverpool as a potential suitor, particularly because assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders rates him, so Ten Hag may have to fight off interest from the club's rivals if he is to secure his signature in the January window.

A report emanating from Football London also points out that Arsenal is a potential destination, in light of them wanting to sign a wide player to strengthen their bid for the Premier League title.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano indicates that his current club will demand a fee in the region of £43m if they are to part with one of their most important players, with the finisher netting 55 goals during his time in Eindhoven, including nine in 14 Eredivisie appearances this season, as per Transfermarkt.

What has Jones said about Gakpo?

Jones outlines Man United as the favourites to secure a transfer swoop for the Dutchman, but claims that the other interested parties are not out of the picture just yet, telling GIVEMESPORT: "I think you'd have to consider them favourites, but at the moment everyone else is in the race, that's probably what makes it so interesting.

"United are linked most heavily and they have made the most progress in terms of knowing what's needed to be done."

Cody Gakpo's stats at the World Cup

Adding to the already impressive figures that he has conjured up for his club side, the 23-year-old has emerged as a vital player for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

As per SofaScore, in the opening match against Senegal, the talisman put in a man-of-the-match performance, achieving a 7.8 rating after opening the scoring for his side in the 84th minute.

Following this quality performance, the Dutchman was labelled "special" by Fabrizio Romano, a description he has more than earned with his recent displays, also a vital component in the team during the 1-1 draw against Ecuador, this time the second-best performer for his team, bagging another goal, as per WhoScored.

In the final group game, should he not be rested, Gakpo will come up against Qatar, who have already been eliminated from the tournament, before he could face England in the round of 16, a game in which he could test himself against potential future teammate Harry Maguire.