Cody Gakpo given transfer advice on Manchester United move but ex-Netherlands defender Mario Melchiot fires warning to Red Devils over waiting too long for PSV star

 Manchester United is the best place for Cody Gakpo but the Red Devils must not wait too long, insists Mario Melchiot.

Netherlands star Gakpo made a name for himself at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three goals before his nation were knocked out by Argentina in the quarter-finals. 

The PSV forward was on United’s radar during the summer transfer window, but the Premier League giants instead spent £86million to sign Antony from Ajax. 

Following the recent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has suggested the club will try to sign a striker in January.

It is understood Gakpo is one of their main targets – and ex-Netherlands international Melchiot explains why United cannot wait too long to sign the 23-year-old.

“If you want a good player – and Gakpo is talented, fast, he has everything – don’t wait too long,” former Chelsea defender Melchiot told talkSPORT 

The price will become too expensive. So they should go after him right now.”

Gakpo was available for around £25m during the summer but there are now claims PSV, who are managed by United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, could demand as much as £50m following the striker’s World Cup heroics. 

Nevertheless, Melchiot believes the Dutch connection between Ten Hag and Gakpo makes Old Trafford an attractive destination.

If someone asked me, I would say go to a Dutch manager,” Melchiot said. 

You need to make sure you go to a team that plays attacking football, you know where you’re going to play – and you need to be sure you can handle that.

“The Dutch league is very technical and tactical. In England, you need an extra third part, and that is character.”