Manchester United target Cody Gakpo receives high praise from three of his Netherlands teammates

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Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo has been tipped to hit the top by three of his Netherlands teammates.

The highly sought after 23-year-old, who is arguably one of the hottest properties in world football right now, has scored three goals in as many World Cup games in Qatar and he sits alongside Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Rashford and Enner Valencia as the tournament’s joint Golden Boot leader.

The Telegraph reported how Manchester United had a deal lined up for Gakpo in the summer before opting against pursuing the PSV Eindhoven star after signing Antony from Ajax.

However, ESPN Netherlands reports Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils are still keen to sign Gakpo in January.

Given that Gakpo has scored in every World Cup game he’s played in so far, his valuation will be increasing with every passing game, but following Cristiano Ronaldo‘s departure – United’s need for a forward signing in January has become a lot more urgent.

Manchester United target Cody Gakpo receives high praise from three of his Netherlands teammates

For club and country this season, PSV’s number 11 has a staggering 18 goals and 18 assists from 32 appearances.

Gakpo, who has the versatility to play anywhere across the forward line, is one of the most in-form players in football and he’s been on the receiving end of some high praise from three of his World Cup teammates.

Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake and ex-Red Devils have all tipped the 12-time Netherlands international to go to the very top of the game.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk said: “Hopefully Cody can go to the moon and back.

“He is a very good player and a good boy too.

“What we see in training is what you see on the pitch. There is still so much potential, and I hope he can carry on showing it for us. We are very happy with him.”

Depay, who was brought to Old Trafford from PSV by former United boss and current Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal, believes that Gakpo’s goalscoring record “speaks for itself”.

The Barcelona forward said: “He is very important. He scored in three out of three games – that record speaks for itself. One of his qualities is that he is a goalscoring player; he gets into positions where he can find the net.

“He has been consistent from the first moment, so I am delighted to see him performing like this on the big stage.”

Manchester City defender Ake added: “He is a top player. You can see that. It is not just about his talent; he also works very hard. He is a very nice guy and I am sure he will go to the top.”

The Oranje will be hoping Gakpo maintains his imperious form in Saturday’s last-16 clash against the United States of America.