Man Utd ‘weighing up moves’ for Sporting midfielder, PSV forward

Jason Soutar
Reported Man Utd target Cody Gakpo celebrates his goal

Man Utd are interested in signing Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha and PSV forward Cody Gakpo, according to reports.

Last month it was reported that Palhinha ‘dreams’ of a move to the Premier League, with the Red Devils ‘keeping tabs’ on the Portuguese international.


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The 26-year-old renewed his Sporting contract last December and has a release clause worth close to £50m, but is reportedly available for around £20m.

He has made 86 appearances for the Portuguese side and is a mainstay in their midfield alongside Matheus Nunes.

Man Utd remain interested in Palhinha, as per the Mirror, who claim they have watched the defensive midfielder ‘at least eight times this season’.

Sporting are willing to sell in the summer, with Atletico Madrid and Wolves also interested. The report adds that he is not interested in a move to Molineux.

The Mirror add that Man Utd are also keeping tabs on PSV star Gakpo, who has been in terrific form for the Dutch club this season.

The 22-year-old has scored 13 and assisted 13 in 33 matches in all competitions this season and has worn the captain’s armband on numerous occasions in 2021/22.

Gakpo is a versatile young forward who can operate on either wing or as a No.9.

He has also been heavily linked with Man Utd’s Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal after emerging as one of the best young players in world football.

Earlier this month, PSV chief John de Jong acknowledged that he is unsure how long the Eredivisie outfit can keep hold of Gakpo.

“The interest started early in the season, when he performed well, also with the Dutch national team,” he said.

“My goal is to keep him for the season at all times. I don’t know how long we can keep him out of the hands of the big clubs in Europe. How he performs is the most important thing.

“[His new contract] says a lot. A nice signal to players in the academy and in this group.

“The path that he goes through from youth player to important base player, to the second captain is beautiful. An example.”