Leeds: 'Plane was ready' for £38m signing at Elland Road

Leeds United are set to return for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo in January after narrowly missing out on luring him to Elland Road ahead of last Thursday’s deadline, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Whites spent close to £100million on improving head coach Jesse Marsch’s squad, but they were unable to get a late deal for Gakpo over the line.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Leeds are planning to push for Gakpo’s arrival from PSV in January, but the Yorkshire giants will be made to contend with stiff competition for their priority target’s signature.

The Whites, along with Southampton, went into deadline day still in the hunt for the winger’s services and hopeful of striking an eleventh hour deal.

However, a move failed to come to fruition after PSV opted against sanctioning Gakpo’s exit despite Leeds director of football Victor Orta travelling to the Netherlands in a bid to force through the switch.

The 23-year-old has also claimed that he was not interested in rushing into a transfer after initially believing Manchester United would be his destination before their interest cooled.

It is understood that Southampton had a £21million bid turned down during the closing stages of the window as PSV value Gakpo at £38million.

Jones believes that Gakpo is being viewed as a top January target by Leeds despite missing out on completing a deal last week.

The journalist understands the Whites came agonisingly close to reaching an agreement for the Dutchman and their interest will not go away.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Gakpo is the most essential one to look out for.

“The deal was set up, the plane was ready and the paperwork was printed, ready to sign. It just collapsed around him.”

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