Manchester United are keen to lure Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford and they are set to test PSV Eindhoven's resolve by lodging a £40million bid, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is in the market for a new frontman after Cristiano Ronaldo's contract was terminated by mutual agreement last month.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Man United transfer news - Cody Gakpo

According to the Telegraph, Manchester United have identified Gakpo as an ideal replacement for Ronaldo ahead of the January transfer window opening for business.

The report suggests the Red Devils are preparing to head to the negotiating table with a big-money bid after their interest has refused to go away since the summer.

Manchester United's hopes of signing Gakpo have been boosted as he has already revealed that he would consider a move to Old Trafford, while PSV director of football Marcel Brands has claimed that the Eredivisie giants are preparing to offload their talisman next month.

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor recently told GiveMeSport that a January deal for the attacker is 'very realistic'.

But Gakpo is highly sought-after heading into 2023, with Newcastle United and Real Madrid being additional suitors.

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 is confident that Manchester United are set to up the ante in their pursuit of Gakpo and an opening bid is being prepared.

The journalist feels there is optimism behind the scenes that the Red Devils could strike a deal during the winter transfer window.

Jones told GiveMeSport: "I certainly expect United to explore this move properly now.

"I'm told that United will bid around £40million. That would make sense for how much they're looking to spend at this stage.

"They feel, at that price, it could be doable. I would expect that to be the figure that we're all looking at."

How does Gakpo compare to Ronaldo?

Although Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, he is now coming towards the end of a trophy-laden career and Gakpo could be a better option right now.

That is highlighted by FBref, with statistics showing the Manchester United target has averaged more goals, assists and shots on target than the Portuguese since the campaign got underway.

Gakpo also made a huge impact at the World Cup, scoring every 151 minutes for the Netherlands and contributing defensively by averaging 1.6 tackles per outing.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, was ranked as Portugal's 18th best player in Qatar by WhoScored, which further emphasises that the 23-year-old PSV talisman could now be seen as an upgrade.

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