Ten Hag’s Dutch bid for Gakpo
that has prompted Ten
Hag to shift his attention to PSV Eindhoven’s highly rated Dutch international Gakpo, 23.
Arsenal and Leeds have also registered an interest in Gakpo, who would cost around £40m.
But PSV will only listen to offers once their Champions League fate has been decided.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side face a third-round play-off home clash against Monaco on
Tuesday night after drawing the first leg 1-1.
If PSV win, they meet either Rangers or Belgian club Union SG for a place in the group stages, which would bank them £60m.
Gakpo has been compared to Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie in that he is a tall, elegant performer, who has become a central striker after starting his career as a winger.
Former United striker Van Nistelrooy played a key role in his development when he worked with Gakpo in PSV’s academy.
Van Nistelrooy is now the club’s first-team boss and would be devastated to lose the player voted the best player in Holland last season.
Gakpo scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, despite missing 12 games at the start of the campaign through injury.
He has already admitted being a huge admirer of the Premier League.
Gakpo said: “Those years where Manchester United were superior to anyone in England and in Europe, I found impressive.
“But there are so many great teams in England. Look at Liverpool, look at Man City.
“They are all bulging with talent and quality players. When they make a substitution, the player coming on is sometimes better than the one who goes off. That is how much quality they have in their squads.”
He added: “Ruud van Nistelrooy has been a great coach. I can only hope I can play for a great club once I go abroad.”