Cody Gakpo 'favours' Real Madrid move and more Man United transfer rumours

Cody Gakpo reportedly favours a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid amid interest from several Premier League sides, including Manchester United.

According to The Athletic, the Dutchman's impressive start to the season has 'raised expectations' that he will secure a 'bigger move' than Leeds United next year after coming close to signing for the Whites on deadline day. The 23-year-old was also linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.

Gakpo - who has registered 13 goals and 10 assists in 16 appearances in all competitions this season - previously suggested that he expected to move to United. However, Erik ten Hag, who shares the same agent as the PSV man, opted to focus on securing a deal for Ajax star Antony.

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The 23-year-old is contracted to PSV until 2026, but it is thought that he could leave the Eredivisie outfit at some point next year. It remains to be seen if the Reds - or Real Madrid - will approach the Dutch club for Gakpo's services.

Elsewhere, journalist Dean Jones has suggested that Aston Villa could look to sign United midfielder Donny van de Beek in the January transfer window. However, he adds that the Midlands club will face competition from 'two or three' other sides.

According to 90min, Ten Hag has granted the 25-year-old permission to depart the Reds in the new year, claiming that the Dutchman is likely to leave on loan.

Several clubs in Europe are reported to be interested in the former Ajax man - including Italian giants Inter Milan. Van de Beek has played just 19 minutes of football so far this term.

"There are other options that will become available to Van de Beek. Clubs