Manager admits Real Madrid target could leave in January

Real Madrid are not expected to make any moves in January, but that has not stopped the club from linked with one player after another in recent weeks and months. Los Blancos are believed to have been keeping a close eye on the World Cup and are rumoured to have been impressed by the likes of Jude Bellingham, Enzo Fernandez and Josko Gvardiol.

Another player who has been linked with Real Madrid heavily in recent times is Cody Gakpo, who proved to be the star performer for the Netherlands at the World Cup, scoring three goals and helping them reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

He has been in stunning form for his club PSV Eindhoven for quite some time as well. According to stats from Transfermarkt, Gakpo has scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 24 appearances for the Dutch club this season.

Naturally, Real Madrid are not the only club being linked with a move for the Dutch rising star. And now PSV Eindhoven manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has admitted that there is a chance that Gakpo could end up leaving in January. As reported by Voetbal International (via AS), he said:

"“You just know that there comes a time when you can no longer say no.”“If I have a choice, I’d rather he leave in summer. But he could leave now.”"

Manager admits that Real Madrid target could possibly leave in January

Gakpo was already linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer before the Red Devils ended up signing Antony from Ajax instead.

Now, though, it looks like the club still hold an interest in the Dutchman and after his performances at the World Cup, there is a good chance that they could try to sign him again in January.

And there are several other top clubs across Europe keeping an eye on Gakpo as well. Thus, if Real Madrid want to sign him, they might need to move quickly or risk seeing him join another club in January instead.