Man Utd can land their own Kevin de Bruyne with move for World Cup star wanted by Leeds United and Liverpool

Manchester United have been told they will sign their own version of Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne if they choose to make a move for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo.

The Netherlands star was already a reported target for several clubs across the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A after impressing for the Dutch giants over the last two seasons. His form has continued into the first half of the current campaign with 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.

The momentum has carried into the World Cup Finals as the 23-year-old forward has netted in all three of the Netherlands group stage fixtures against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar to send Louis van Gael’s side into a round of 16 meeting with the United States on Saturday afternoon.

Gakpo’s impressive performances in Qatar have only heightened speculation over a possible big money move away from PSV during the January transfer window - and Brentford defender Ben Mee believes the Red Devils will land a player similar to one star on the blue half of Manchester if they are successful in their attempts to sign the forward.

He told The Athletic: “There is something of Kevin De Bruyne about him (Gakpo), and he is developing a similar range and vision in his passing as the Manchester City forward. I’ve seen him deliver pinpoint passes with the outside of his boot, clever balls guided round the corner or into space for team-mates to collect on the run, and he clearly has a decent cross in him.

“He hits it like De Bruyne, too, as he showed with his finish — struck so cleanly — for the opening goal against Qatar. Then there’s that ability to collect, spin and drive up-field with the ball, something we’ve seen De Bruyne do countless times for City and definitely a skill Gakpo replicates.

“He’s always seeking out those pockets of space between your back line and midfield and, once in there, senses where teams are going to open up. Ecuador, with whom the Dutch drew in their second game of the tournament, learned that you can’t just force him on the outside and feel as if your job is done, either.”

The likes of Newcastle United, Leeds United and Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Gakpo.