Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hopes his long-term relationship with Cody Gakpo will clinch his signing from PSV Eindhoven.

The Mirror says Ten Hag worked with Gakpo when he was in charge of the PSV academy more than a decade ago and maintained a friendship with the player and his family during his emergence as one of the Eredivisie's top performers.

Now the United boss is looking to bring £50million-rated Gakpo to Old Trafford in January after an outstanding World Cup sparked serious interest in the Dutchman from Real Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle.

The bond Ten Hag has built up with Gakpo could be critical - as will the assurances the Dutch international is looking for with regards to his role in the team.

Ten Hag has told Gakpo he sees him as the perfect replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo - and he could even take over the No.7 shirt.

Real see Gakpo as the long-term successor to Karim Benzema. Arsenal are in the frame after losing Gabriel Jesus for three months with a knee injury. And Newcastle's financial power has made them serious contenders to make a statement signing.

United had Gakpo in the bag in the summer - but were forced to drop their interest at the 11th hour when Ajax's £86million valuation of Antony forced them to concentrate their resources on signing the Brazilian.