Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared his latest information regarding the interest from Leeds United in PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo.
The lowdown: Orta interested
Earlier in the window, Gakpo emerged as a leading candidate to head to Elland Road as the Whites began to prepare for life after Raphinha.
However, Director of Football at Elland Road, Victor Orta, opted instead to sign Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra for Jesse Marsch in a deal worth £20million (The Athletic).
Now, amidst reported interest from Arsenal in Gakpo, Leeds have once again been cited as continued admirers of the Dutch star...
The latest: Second choice
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano has claimed that the seven-cap Holland international has 'always been on the list' in Yorkshire.
He said: “At the moment, despite some speculation involving Arsenal, the situation is quiet around Cody Gakpo.
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-47/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
“He has always been on the list for Leeds United, but not in the first position, just after Luis Sinisterra, who was a priority of the club.
“PSV Eindhoven are hoping to keep him and his price tag has always been around €40-45m (£33.7-37.9m). He may be a name to monitor in the coming weeks as a big opportunity for many clubs, but PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to keep him at the club.”
The verdict: Sign two?
Sinisterra's early injury setback may have exposed an issue within the Leeds ranks moving forwards, particularly having suffered so badly during an injury-ravaged campaign in 2021/22.
Although it's nigh-on impossible to plan for such eventualities occurring once again, adding more versatile attacking options to the likes of Jack Harrison, Joe Gelhardt and Daniel James in Marsch's ranks before the window closes would certainly be a welcome move.
Capable of playing across the frontline and in central areas, Gakpo - who was dubbed a 'beautiful talent' and 'extremely creative' by journalist Josh Bunting - would be the ideal candidate to arrive at Leeds should a pursuit be reignited, perhaps even alongside out and out striker targets such as Mergim Berisha.
Berisha is believed to be available for just around £5m this summer and can also play in several positions across the attack, so signing both should ensure Marsch is completely prepared for any repeat of last season's injury chaos.