Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is supposedly frustrated that the club let PSV striker Cody Gakpo go to Liverpool. Sources at ESPN claim that the manager clearly wanted to sign the star during the January transfer period. Gakpo was heavily linked with United prior to moving to Merseyside.

Liverpool practically snatched Gakpo out from under United’s nose. Manager Jurgen Klopp quickly agreed a fee worth up to $60 million for the PSV player. The 23-year-old forward is now currently in England to sign his contract with Liverpool.

Ten Hag unhappy with vacancies at United striker spot

United never officially submitted a bid for Gakpo. Reports also suggest that the Red Devils were put off by the structure of payment to PSV. Liverpool were happy to give the Dutch club the fee that they wanted. While United were more interested in an initial loan with an obligation to purchase Gakpo in the summer. PSV obviously preferred Liverpool’s financial package.

After missing out on Gakpo, United may be running out of realistic options. The combination of wanting a top player on loan, while also being frugal could become a big hurdle. Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix is available in the January transfer window. However, the Spanish club is reportedly asking a fortune for his short-term signature.

Felix would be a massive gamble

The aforementioned report claims that Atleti want a huge loan fee, plus Felix’s wages covered for a deal to occur. This total package could come to around $23 million for a six-month loan. The Portugal international is clearly talented but has yet to live up to his $100+ million transfer fee to join Atleti.

Following United’s 3-0 thumping of Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, ten Hag addressed questions on possible January transfers. “I think we are always in the market but it has to match the sporting criteria and also the financial criteria,” stated the coach.

Despite the big victory, there is a clear need for an additional striker. Cristiano Ronaldo’s early departure from the team leaves a huge hole up front for the Red Devils.

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