Transfer Talk: United close in on Dutch star Gakpo

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of highly-rated PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands star Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo, 23, has been in the form of his life this year and has seamlessly replicated his recent goalscoring exploits in the Eredivisie at the World Cup.

Having bagged twice for the Oranje in their opening two matches, he will hope to be at the heart of things once again on Tuesday afternoon as Louis van Gaal's men look to seal their spot in the last 16 against Qatar.

And according to Dutch media, Gakpo has been sounded out as Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag's preferred marquee recruit in January. 

The versatile forward has scored nine goals and added 12 assists in 14 league appearances for PSV so far this season and would provide more pace and quality in the final third.

ESPN report that Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic are also on United's radar, with both shining for their national sides at the World Cup.

Any move for American talisman Pulisic, 24, would likely be a loan deal as Chelsea would not be keen to sell to a direct rival, whereas Portuguese starlet Leao, 23, would command a hefty fee due to his huge potential and contract situation at AC Milan.

Reinforcements in attack is the priority for Ten Hag, who is still not satisfied with his United starting XI despite them sitting fifth in the Premier League table.

In other news

A report from The Sun suggests that Fulham and USA full-back Antonee Robinson is a top target for Italian giants Inter Milan.

Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona are keeping a close eye on German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, with manager Xavi attending the clash between Die Mannschaft and Spain on Sunday night.

Chelsea have been using the World Cup as an opportunity to scout Ecuador and Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, say The Mirror.