Real Madrid have joined Manchester United in the race to sign PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo in January, according to The Mirror.
The Netherlands international has been in sparkling form for club and country. He has bagged 13 goals and 17 assists from just 24 games for PSV this season.
He also stood out for the Dutch in their World Cup campaign with three goals, and there could be widespread interest in signing him in the New Year.
United are firm admirers of the 23-year-old forward, but they are not alone in the pursuit with arch-rivals Liverpool also said to be monitoring his progress.
It is now reported by The Mirror that Madrid are ready to step up their interest in Gakpo after watching him closely in action for Holland at the World Cup.
United must move fast to sign Gakpo from PSV
United were keen on landing Gakpo from PSV during the last transfer window, but a deal did not materialise after they spent their remaining budget on Antony.
Gakpo has since confirmed that he was expecting to join the club. In a recent interview, he also acknowledged that he would consider a move to United if they return for him this winter.
Hence, the player has given a clear indication that he would like to move to Old Trafford, but the major talking point remains whether the club will meet the demands of PSV.
The Dutchman was valued in the region of €50m including add-ons last summer, but the price tag has increased to around €65m on the back of his excellent season so far.
PSV are unlikely to sell him for anything less in January. The onus is on United to pay the fee and they must move fast if Madrid have a genuine interest in signing Gakpo.
Gakpo has publicly stated his admiration for the Red Devils lately, but his head could be turned if the European champions enter the race to sign him in the coming weeks.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
