Gakpo was on the score sheet again on Tuesday (Picture: Getty)

Joe Cole believes clubs should be prepared to pay £80million to land Netherlands star Cody Gakpo in January.

Manchester United remain interested in signing the 23-year-old ahead of the mid-season window with Gakpo further enhancing his reputation with three goals in three games at the World Cup in Qatar.

The PSV Eindhoven star becomes just the fourth Dutchman to score in three consecutive World Cup games, joining Johan Neeskens, Dennis Bergkamp and Wesley Sneijder in elite company.

Erik ten Hag held talks with Gakpo during the summer transfer before United eventually opted to sign Antony from Ajax while Arsenal were also tracking his progress with Mikel Arteta keen to add more firepower to his side in January.

Southampton saw an offer worth £22million rejected by PSV at the end of August, with Gakpo scoring 13 times for his club already this season.

And while his valuation is expected to soar, former Chelsea star Cole believes he will be worth the investment.

‘He has [put his name out there],’ Cole told ITV following Netherlands’ 2-0 win over Qatar.

Gakpo lashed home against Qatar (Picture: Getty)

‘I know there have been scouts watching him, he has come to the tournament and he is fearless. Great movement for the goal and fantastic finishing. He is going to be on everyone’s wish list.

Asked by former Netherlands international Nigel de Jong if he would pay £80m for Gakpo, Cole added: ‘I would, 100 per cent.

‘Because he’s young, we know there is value in youth, if he doesn’t quite work out you are going to cut your losses elsewhere but he looks like the real deal.

‘I know it’s Qatar, I know it’s not one of the strongest nations but against Ecuador he scored, against Senegal he scored, he is affects the game and players who affect the game, that is where the value is.

‘I really like him, I have liked what I have seen at PSV and I am pretty sure there will be some offers on the door at PSV in January.’

Former Netherlands and Liverpool forward Ryan Babel meanwhile is eager for his former side to join the race for Gakpo but admits Arsenal may be a better fit.

‘As a Liverpool fan, I would tell him to go to Liverpool if they make an approach,’ he told The Athletic. ‘Arsenal would also be an incredible team for him, with the current manager and the project that they’re building. He has to follow his heart.’

MORE : Ryan Babel names the club Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd target Cody Gakpo should join

MORE : World Cup star Cody Gakpo responds to Manchester United transfer interest

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