Leeds: £38m deal would now be major shock at Elland Road

Leeds United’s chances of signing PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo have taken a blow following the attacker’s start to the season, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Gakpo was a man in demand during the summer window but did not move to Leeds, despite Jesse Marsch splashing close to £100 million on new signings.

The 23-year-old has made a rapid start to the 2022-23 season, boasting a record of 10 goals and nine assists after playing just 13 times in all competitions.

Last season saw him bag 21 times, taking his PSV total to 52 strikes, and he attracted plenty of interest in the process, including from Leeds, Manchester United and Southampton.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta even flew to the Netherlands in an attempt to persuade the forward to move to Elland Road, but could not tempt him onto a flight back to West Yorkshire.

PSV eventually confirmed that they would not be selling Gakpo in the summer window, in a blow to Southampton and Leeds.

United pulled out of the running for his signature after tying up a deal for Ajax star Antony.

However, according to Forbes, Gakpo remains a top target for Erik ten Hag and the club are interested in signing him within the next 12 months.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth recently told GiveMeSport that Leeds are yet to give up on the chase either, with Orta still monitoring the situation.

Jones believes that there is little chance Leeds will be able to successfully sign Gakpo once the January window opens for business.

The journalist says that the player’s start to the season will mean sides with greater spending power will be in for the Netherlands international.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I’ll be amazed if Cody Gakpo ended up going to Southampton or Leeds right now