Man Utd’s Cody Gakpo chances ended as transfer focus ‘shifts’ to loan market

Manchester United are finally back in Premier League action on Tuesday evening after more than a month without league football.

The Red Devils were in Carabao Cup action during the week, managing to see off Burnley to progress to the last eight, but the Premier League will be the main focus for Erik ten Hag’s men this season as they look to get back into the Champions League. Nottingham Forest await on Tuesday night, and United will be expected to hit the ground running following the long break.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding Old Trafford.

Gakpo blow

It looks like United have missed out on a move for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo.

The Red Devils have been chasing a deal for Gakpo for some time, but they have been beaten to the punch by Liverpool. PSV have confirmed that a deal has been reached with Liverpool, and it’s expected the fee will be between £35m and £44m, with the Dutch star headed to England to complete the deal ahead of the January transfer window.

That’s a big blow for United, who tried to sign Gakpo in the summer before deciding to wait until the winter. It was believed the Red Devils would make a fresh move in January, but Liverpool have got there first.

Loan market focus

United may rely on the loan market to add to their squad in the winter transfer window. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who say the club’s current ownership situation means there may not be money to spend outright. Instead, United may look at loan signings to fill the gaps, with a midfielder and a forward needed as a minimum. Though, their options may be very limited if they are only willing to sign players on loan.