Manchester United’s transfer activity could get very busy as we enter the final fortnight of the window.
Amid much debate over whether Manchester United should sign Ajax winger Antony or PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo, one option is to sign both.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf insists this is United’s plan, with both players being targeted, and Gakpo not simply a back-up alternative to Antony.
The Times reports Ajax are insisting on a steep price for Antony, who could cost more than £80 million, with Gakpo around £35 million.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
Antony and Cody Gakpo
There is logic behind signing both players, because they would not necessarily be competing for the same position.
While Cody Gakpo can play on the right wing, he prefers to play on the left, and can also operate through the middle, providing back-up as striker if required.
A slow start to the season from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in attack has emphasised United’s need to bring in added competition.
Rashford’s contract also expires at the end of the current season, so Gakpo could effectively become his long term replacement.
United’s desire to sign both players would set the club back more than £100 million.
Manager Erik ten Hag clearly needs new additions, while the Glazers may be trying to ward off mounting protests by releasing more of the club’s funds for transfers.
At the moment these are just rumours, although it seems possible United will sign at least one of of Antony or Gakpo before deadline.
It would be genuinely surprising if both are brought in. This report just feels like United keeping their options open, without committing to one or the other.
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