Leeds 'would like' to sign 'incredible' £38m star at Elland Road

Leeds United would still ‘like to sign’ PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo when the January transfer window reopens, having missed out on him in the summer at Elland Road, according to Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

Jesse Marsch has bolstered his squad since the end of last season, splashing just shy of £100 million on new recruits, but one of their top targets evaded them.

The 23-year-old has made a fast start to the season in the Netherlands and has already scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in just 13 games in all competitions for club and country.

It is no big surprise then that Gakpo was so heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the summer and has previously been described as ‘incredible’.

Manchester United appeared to be pushing hard for him at one stage, with the Telegraph reporting the Red Devils wanted to bring him in alongside Antony.

The report claimed that the Eredivisie giants were demanding £38 million for their star man but United eventually retreated.

Southampton and Leeds upped the ante in their respective pursuits late in the day as both sides looked to improve their attacks, with the Whites even chartering a private jet for Gakpo.

According to the Athletic, Leeds made their interest very clear when director of football Victor Orta travelled to the Netherlands to try and push through a deal.

But, the report adds, in the end, PSV opted against cashing in on their talisman.

Thornton understands that Leeds will be eager to tie up a deal for Gakpo in January.

But the Sky Sports reporter adds that it will not be easy, with the winter World Cup potentially providing another obstacle.

Thornton told GIVEMESPORT: “In an ideal world, would Leeds like to sign him in January? I think, yes.