Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has asked the club to monitor Cody Gakpo and Rafael Leao as he looks to find a striker to replace the now-departed Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window.
Despite the club’s initial decision to not buy new players in January after spending over £220 million during the summer transfer window, the club now finds itself in need of a new main striker now that Ronaldo is no longer a part of the Red Devils’ lineup. Antony Martial’s fitness is also an issue for Man Utd as the French striker has suffered three separate injuries during the first half of the season.
Ronaldo’s departure has freed up Man Utd’s wage bill by £15 million, thereby enabling the club to move in on a replacement. Ten Hag is also looking to bolster his team’s squad depth ahead of the packed schedule once club soccer returns following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Gakpo has had an immense impact on PSV Eindhoven, earning the Dutch Cup with the team and becoming this season’s top scorer in the Eredivisie with nine goals and 12 assists in 14 appearances.
Leao scored 14 goals for AC Milan last season, helping the Italian side to win the Serie A trophy.
