Gakpo has continued his scoring form at the World Cup (Picture: Getty)

Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has urged Manchester United to offer Donny van de Beek as part of their bid to bring Cody Gakpo to Old Trafford.

United are among the clutch of clubs interested in signing the PSV Eindhoven star having discussed a move with the player in the summer before eventually opting to sign Antony from Ajax.

Gakpo’s stock has risen considerably since then however, scoring 13 times and laying on 17 assists for his club and scoring three in four for Netherlands at the World Cup.

With Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure heightening the need for more firepower, United are keen on signing Gakpo in January – and Eriksson believes forgotten midfielder van de Beek should be offered to help get the deal over the line.

Van de Beek, who starred at Ajax under ten Hag before joining United in 2020, has struggled with injury this season but has failed to impress when handed chances in the first-team.

‘We’re talking about two very good players and I believe it could be a great deal for both parties. It would make perfect sense,’ Eriksson told Boyle Sports.

‘Gakpo is a dynamic attacker and direct – just what United need – and for one reason or another Van de Beek just hasn’t been suited to England and the Premier League.

Van de Beek is still to impress under ten Hag (Picture: Getty)

‘Erik ten Hag knows all of these players and if he thinks a swap deal is a good idea then why not?’

Gakpo’s Netherlands teammate Virgil van Dijk expects the forward to take the next step very soon but the Liverpool star recently suggested United have little chance of landing him should Europe’s elite also enter the fray.

‘Are Manchester United and Real Madrid on the same level?’ said Van Dijk when informed of the increasing interest in Gakpo from Europe’s heavyweight clubs. ‘No disrespect, not at all.’

Eriksson agrees with van Dijk’s comments, insisting any interest from Real Madrid or Barcelona could scupper United’s plans.

‘Van Dijk is true in his comments about Real and Man United. We have to be honest right now and say they are not the same level.

‘All players always want the pinnacle in football and that is to play for Barca or Real Madrid.

‘They are teams that will always compete with Premier League clubs because they always have brilliant football players. If you choose between those two clubs now, there’s only one winner for Gakpo.’

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