Leeds 'can forget about’ deal for £38m star at Elland Road

Leeds United came as close as they ever will to signing PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo in the summer transfer window, with the 23-year-old attracting plenty of interest following a strong start to the season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Jesse Marsch bolstered his squad by spending more than £90 million on new recruits but failed to land one of his most exciting targets.

The West Yorkshire giants made a late bid to land the versatile forward during the latest transfer window, with director of football Victor Orta flying out for face-to-face talks, according to The Athletic.

But, the report adds, in the end, the Dutch giants decided against cashing in on their prized asset, with Gakpo himself also happy to stay.

Manchester United were interested in his services, with it understood that Red Devils were quoted a price of £38 million.

It is reported that Leeds continued their pursuit of the player beyond the deadline but the player now has his sights set on a move to either United or Real Madrid in the future.

Jones believes that, while the club came close to landing Gakpo during the summer transfer window, they are unlikely to get as close as that again.

The journalist believes that the upcoming World Cup will likely only see his price rise further as the eyes of the world are exposed to his talents.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I just think Gakpo is going to be such a hard get now. I know they nearly got him in the summer, but I’ve got a feeling that will be as close as they’ll ever get. He’s been in such good form. We’ve got to consider too, that he’s going to the World Cup as part of a good side and if he has a good World Cup, then I think they can forget about it, to be honest.”

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