Manchester United target Cody Gakpo is 'on top of the world' and confident that he would become an immediate starter if he swaps PSV Eindhoven for Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could opt to splash the cash when the winter window opens for business at the turn of the year.

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Man United transfer news - Cody Gakpo

In an interview with Dutch media outlet NRC, Gakpo has admitted that he would consider a move to Manchester United if they open negotiations during the early stages of 2023.

The winger also suggests that missing out on a summer switch to the Premier League was tough to take after initially believing a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards, while he also snubbed an approach from Leeds United.

Gakpo's admission comes after it emerged that Manchester United are looking to swoop and PSV are willing to cash-in on their prised asset if a £50million offer is lodged during the January window.

The Red Devils have also been boosted in their pursuit as Real Madrid have decided they will not enter the race for the Netherlands international's signature despite being offered his services.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United have been holding discussions with Gakpo’s representatives, while Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that Manchester United are the favourites to strike an agreement with PSV.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Dean Jones said about Gakpo?

Jones understands that Gakpo has not been put off potentially joining Manchester United after he failed to make the switch during the summer.

The journalist is aware that the Dutchman is full of confidence and knows he would become one of the first names on the team-sheet if he moves on from PSV.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Gakpo knows United rate him and I’m told he is not deterred by the fact no deal went ahead last summer.

"This is a player on top of the world, who wants to play through the middle and score goals.

"That sort of confidence will convince him that he should be a starter for United if they go ahead and sign him."

How has Gakpo performed at the World Cup?

Gakpo has been one of the standout performers in Qatar, having gone into the Netherlands' quarter-final clash with Argentina having found the back of the net every 113 minutes, according to Sofascore.

The data also shows that the 23-year-old is a key component at the other end of the pitch, having averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.3 clearances and 0.5 interceptions per World Cup outing.

Gakpo demonstrated why he is on Manchester United's radar by getting his name on the scoresheet in each of the Netherlands' group stage fixtures against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar.

With that being the case, it should come as little surprise that the wide-man has been handed the Dutch side's best average match rating by WhoScored.

Gakpo boarded the flight to Qatar having scored 55 goals throughout his PSV career, but he has clearly built on that on the sport's biggest stage.

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