Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has 'genuine interest' in bringing PSV forward Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford, according to Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Red Devils have emerged as frontrunners for the Dutchman's signature, in light of his performances for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Man United transfer news - Cody Gakpo

Fabrizio Romano has recently claimed on his YouTube channel that the PSV man's price has risen considerably after his performances in Qatar, and he is now expected to cost up to £56m, with his current club eyeing a record sale.

The transfer guru took to Twitter to relay quotes from PSV director Marcel Brands, announcing that no club has yet tabled a bid for the 23-year-old, with any deal having to be 'big money', while also being right for the player himself.

As per Dutch newspaper NRC, via the Athletic, Gakpo commented on a potential move to Old Trafford, saying: "I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?

“Now I wait (for) everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. If they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”

What has Taylor said about Gakpo?

Taylor heaped praise on the 14-time Netherlands international, as per Transfermarkt, particularly for his versatility, while also confirming that there is real interest on United's behalf.

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "I think the key point about Gakpo is he's very tactically flexible, you look at the World Cup, he was playing as a centre-forward and as a creative midfielder for Holland.

"In that sense, he would be a really clever signing because he can play in multiple positions across the frontline, I think that's important, and I do think that interest is very genuine and strong."

How did Gakpo perform at the World Cup?

The Eindhoven-born attacker flourished with his national side in Qatar, laying down a marker as a real exciting prospect with a series of impressive performances.

With three goals to his name, the speedster was the Netherlands' top scorer of the tournament, as per BBC Sport, scoring with his only three attempts of the tournament, highlighting a clinical nature when leading the line.

Although Taylor rightly points out that he is versatile, the forward put in performances that proved he could be a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, being labelled 'sensational' by football writer Thierry Nyann in the wake of his goal against Ecuador.

While there may be some understandable concern that United are rushing into the signing based on his World Cup displays, it's also important to highlight how well he has performed for PSV this season, registering a stunning nine goals and 12 assists in 14 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Even at his currently inflated price, Gakpo would be a very good signing for Ten Hag, and one that could help his side push for Champions League football.