Manchester United are aiming to secure the signings of both Ajax’s Antony and PSV’s Cody Gakpo before deadline day on September 1, according to Laurie Whitwell.
Erik ten Hag Is Keen to Bolster His Squad With Three More Arrivals
Manchester United are in contact with Antony agents as deal now depends on Ajax decision: key days ahead, while Cody Gakpo's camp is also in direct contact with Man Utd since 2 weeks. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Gakpo, always been in United list – also, he has same agents as Erik ten Hag. pic.twitter.com/TxJiDsND4Y
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2022
He Is Looking to His Former League for Attacking Options
Initially, Gakpo was named as an alternative and “cheaper option” should United fail in their pursuit of signing Antony. However, it has since been reported that some “ambitiously feel they may have a chance to sign both.”
The Reds are expected to table a new and improved bid for the Brazilian in the coming days after their latest bid of £67.5 million was rejected. Ajax were firm on their stance of keeping the forward, to begin with, but since Antony himself has begun pushing for the move, the Dutch team are seemingly left with little say on the matter.
Antony Pushing to Reunite With Former Coach – Personal Terms Already Agreed
Antony has refused to train with his side twice since Ajax rejected United’s bid, and he was left out of their weekend game against Sparta Rotterdam. He has already agreed personal terms with the Manchester club and is seemingly keen to reunite with former manager Erik ten Hag, with whom he won the Eredivisie title.
Read more: Fabrizio Romano – Manchester United Enter ‘Key Hours’ in Pursuit of Attacking Sensation
The 22-year-old racked up eight goals and four assists across the league last season and has already opened his tally for the current season, with one goal and two assists in two matches. Antony is recognised for being incredibly skilful, as well as a fast and talented dribbler on the pitch.
Cody Gakpo Waiting On United’s Decision – Ready to Begin Negotiations
Gakpo, as well as his agents, is currently awaiting further updates from the United situation, as United are focusing primarily on Antony over the coming days. The 23-year-old is ready to accept a proposal from Ten Hag’s side, should one come his way. His camp have been in “direct contact” with United’s representatives for over two weeks.
Cody Gakpo would be prepared to accept Manchester United in case they will submit an official proposal to PSV Eindhoven in the next days. 🚨🇳🇱 #MUFC
Gakpo and his agents are waiting, up to the club – focus on Antony.
More: https://t.co/Ra2pl3Baa0 pic.twitter.com/Bv6TC5hgYN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2022
Read more: Fabrizio Romano – Manchester United Now Have Green Light to Sign ‘Threatening’ Attacker
It has been confirmed that Gakpo has the same agents as Ten Hag, meaning it would likely be easier to oversee a deal and negotiations. The PSV forward is on the back of the best season of his career so far after hitting double figures in both goals and assists throughout the Eredivisie last season. He contributed 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 matches, as well as opening his Champions League goal bank for the first time with two goals.
David de Gea’s Form Leads to Goalkeeper Search
Ten Hag is also searching the market for a backup goalkeeper, with Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt of interest to the Dutchman. A replacement is essential for United given the departure of Dean Henderson to Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan and also David de Gea’s poor form in recent games. The Spaniard displayed a particularly inadequate performance against Brentford on August 13.
Read more: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
United picked up their first win of the season with a triumphant 2-1 victory against rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday, August 22. The squad looked entirely different to the disappointing displays shown in the side’s first two matches and thoroughly deserved the three points in a well-fought victory.
