The Dutch star has always been mentioned by the media as Manchester United’s top transfer target.

Writing in The Athletic, Laurie Whitwell reveɑled that Manchester United scouts and manager Erik Ten Hag had in fɑct mixed views about Cody Gakpo. British journalist said:

“There’s no doubting Ten Hag’s admiration for Gakpo. The Man United manager pushed for the PSV Eindhoven striker’s move during the summer transfer window, even if scouts were uncertain. whether he can play as a central striker in the Premier League.”

Gakpo was already a Liverpool man.

“Ten Hag is confident about the 23-year-old, so United are also comfortable with the mindset of the coach and the personal terms that have been agreed with Gakpo.”

“However, Ajax did not refuse a fee of 100 million euros for Antony – with negotiations also taking place at the same time, and that means there will be no money left to pay for Gakpo.”

“There was a similar discussion that continued in December and at one stage it seemed like United were able to find a budget, but they decided not to do it.”

Eriksen is adamant Manchester United have moved on from the Ronaldo era

Christian Eriksen expressed sadness that Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer a Manchester United player, but insisted that the club can continue without one of its most famous players.

“We’re disappointed that Ronaldo isn’t here,” Eriksen said after United’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, their first game since the controversial departure of the Portuguese star.

“His legacy and name are special in any club. It was a blessing to have the opportunity to play with him during my career.”

Ronaldo’s turbulent second spell at Old Trafford ended during the World Cup break, following an explosive interview in which he attacked new manager Erik ten Hag and the club’s owners.

Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen, center, scores the game’s first goal past Burnley’s goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, during the English League Cup 4th round soccer match between Manchester United and Burnley.

His influence on the field had already waned since the Dutch coach took over at the start of the season.

And there was no sign he was missed on Tuesday, as goals from the in-form Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Fred helped United defeat Forest and move within four points of the top four.

“The game continues,” Eriksen said. “You get the impression that the next game, people will forget what it was like before, and now our focus is truly as if he (Ronaldo) is not here.”

“The atmosphere is good,” the Denmark midfielder added, “we have a lot of people coming back from the World Cup, the last guys are coming back, and everyone is coming together.”

Rashford has now scored eight goals in 13 games for club and country, and Eriksen is pleased that the 25-year-old has maintained his form from the World Cup.

“He performed admirably. Fortunately, I haven’t yet seen him play a bad game on the field “Eriksen stated that the Red Devils are now just a point away from a Champions League spot and have a game in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

“He is looking sharp and confident, and you can sense it as he moves forward.

“You can feel it in the stadium and you can feel it with him. It’s a nice gesture, and I hope he keeps it up.

“You can tell he returned with a lot of confidence. Of course, I didn’t see much of his games, but he returned in good shape, which he has thankfully carried over to United.” — AFP