PSV Eindhoven director John de Jong has revealed that he expected Manchester United to push through with a formal approach for Cody Gakpo during the final days of the summer transfer window.
Having established himself as one of the top young players in the Eredivisie, Gakpo has been tipped to eventually make the switch to a bigger club.
Although PSV were not interested in negotiating a sale while they were participating in the Champions League qualifying rounds, a transfer felt likely to take place during the final week of business.
However, despite interest from the likes of Man United, Leeds United and Southampton, a deal failed to materialise, leaving the forward at PSV until at least January.
The 23-year-old acknowledged at the end of last week that he would have been interested in securing a transfer to United, particularly as it seemed likely at one stage.
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Speaking to PSV TV, Gakpo said: "Manchester United had reported at the beginning of the transfer window. We were waiting for that a bit.
"The signals became more and more positive and at a certain point I thought it might fall in that direction. That option faded a bit and completely last week. We worked the whole window towards it. Until last week I thought I would go to Manchester United."
The Netherlands international's claims have now been backed up by De Jong, who suggests that the Dutch club were open to negotiating a deal.
De Jong told Voetbal International: "Manchester United signed up at the beginning of the transfer period. They expressed their interest. But after that, it took a long time."
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"In the end, as management, we had talks with United between the games against Rangers. Then it seemed to get more concrete, but that faded and at the end of the window the option to sell him to United was no longer there."
United instead opted to spend in excess of £85m to sign Ajax winger Antony, who marked his debut with a goal in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the weekend.
While Leeds and Southampton appeared ready to meet PSV's valuation of Gakpo during the closing days of the summer window, Gakpo ultimately made the decision to remain at a club that he has represented since 2007.
Since making his professional debut in 2018, Gakpo has contributed 49 goals and 39 assists from 145 appearances in all competitions.
The versatile attacker, who has a contract with PSV until 2026, already has seven strikes and six assists during this campaign.
Darren Plant
