Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag is eager to recruit a forward to Manchester United in the upcoming months.
Under the Dutch coach, the Red Devils have experienced a stronger start to the Premier League campaign than in previous years, but they still lack talent in the final third.
Despite the fact that there may be more inexpensive options in a notoriously difficult winter window, Cody Gakpo has been on the club’s radar for a number of months.
The United attack might be strengthened in January by five different strategies.
Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven)
Much has been said of PSV Eindhoven forward Gakpo following his impressive World Cup campaign with the Netherlands in Qatar.
Gakpo was subject to interest from the 13-time Premier League winners last summer and the club could return in an effort to secure his services in January.
The 23-year-old scored three times for his country at the global showpiece and has been a star for his club in the Eredivisie, tallying 21 goal contributions in just 14 matches.
His impressive form has had consequences for clubs aiming to sign the 14-cap international with his price tag skyrocketing in recent months.
PSV’s director of football Marcel Brands said: “Only 10-12 clubs can afford Gakpo in January. Let’s see if it will happen — it has to be a record PSV sale and also the right bid for Cody’s plans.”
Goncalo Ramos (Benfica)
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Another impressive youngster who has emerged at the World Cup is Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.
Ramos, 21, played in four of Portugal’s five matches at the tournament in Qatar and netted a hat-trick in the win over Switzerland that earned his country a quarter-final berth.
He has also been thriving in domestic football — scoring nine times in 11 league matches for the Eagles, who sit top of the Primeira Liga.
The striker came through Benfica’s youth system and has since gone on to net 28 times in 80 first-team appearances.
United are sure to have their eye on Ramos and may rely on compatriots Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot to convince him to join.
Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)
A name that has gone under the radar this season is Marcus Thuram, who has enjoyed a cameo role for France at the World Cup.
The Borussia Monchengladbach finisher has been prolific in the Bundesliga however, netting 10 times in 15 appearances for the German side.
His current contract is set to expire next summer, which is likely to draw interest from the Red Devils who could look to finalise a cheap deal to appease the Bundesliga outfit.
However, Ten Hag would likely face stiff competition from his rivals as clubs look to bag a January bargain.
At 6ft 2in, Thuram would be an excellent option to provide an aerial threat as United look to continue their progress in the Premier League and Europa League.
Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
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Christian Pulisic is yet to find favour under Graham Potter at Chelsea but his performances at the World Cup proved he has exceptional quality.
With a goal and two assists, the Pennsylvania-born attacker helped drag the United States to the last 16 in Qatar before they bowed out at the hands of the Netherlands.
His club form has not been as impressive — just two goal contributions in 13 Premier League appearances this term — but he has mostly been limited to action from the bench.
United were reportedly exploring a loan deal for the American last summer but the West London club were playing hardball at the time.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Like Gakpo, Victor Osimhen would be an expensive option for the Red Devils with the Nigerian centre forward valued at over £80million.
The 23-year-old could well be worth the money however, as shown by his superb form this season for Napoli.
Luciano Spalletti’s men sit eight points clear at the summit of Serie A and Osimhen tops the goalscoring charts with nine strikes to his name.
Impressive performances in the Partenopei’s Champions League group-stage campaign have put him on the radar of many European clubs, including United.