PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo has admitted that he wanted to join Manchester United before the transfer window closed.
The Netherlands international was linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, but United only considered him an option as they focused more on signing Antony from Ajax.
Ajax were reluctant to let go of the dazzling Brazilian winger, but the 22-year-old kept pushing for the transfer.
After receiving a bid worth around €100 million plus add-ons, Ajax finally sanctioned the move.
Gakpo was not short on suitors on deadline day as Southampton, Leeds United and Arsenal lined up bids to bring him to the Premier League, but none of those moves materialised.
The Dutchman insisted he was more than happy to stay at PSV this summer but has now revealed he wanted the United move while speaking to PSV TV.
“At the start of the window, United registered their interest but not very strongly, so I was waiting for a bit, and then the end was approaching and the signals became more positive,” he said. “I started thinking it could fall that way eventually.
“The interest faded last week, so the whole window I worked towards that and then it faded. So then I was watching last week, thinking what is the right thing to do?
“I spoke to other clubs, Premier League clubs which could be a good step, but there are more factors to consider, like the World Cup.”
Gakpo is one of the most promising talents in the Eredivisie and has made 144 appearances for PSV since coming through the club’s academy, scoring 49 goals and providing 39 assists.
He already has seven goals and six assists in nine games across all competitions this season.
While he could not complete a move away from PSV this summer, if he stays injury free and builds on his previous campaign, a move to the Premier League could come as early as the January transfer window.
