MANCHESTER UNITED were dealt a savage blow when Liverpool hijacked their transfer plan for Cody Gakpo.
The Dutch World Cup star looked on course to join the Red Devils from PSV in January.
Erik ten Hag is looking to add a forward to his Man Utd squad
Cody Gakpo looked on course to join but is going to Liverpool
But their rivals at Anfield swooped to agree a £37million deal for the Holland forward and steal him away from Erik ten Hag’s grasp.
So SunSport rounds up five potential transfer targets United could land instead when the market reopens…
Goncalo Ramos, 21, Benfica
The Portugal striker proved he can be the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s throne in the national team with his World Cup heroics, in particular that hat-trick against Switzerland.
And he may well be the heir to the throne at club level, too, as United consider another move for the Benfica man.
Ramos has 15 goals and six assists in 22 games for his club this season and those kind of figures could propel United into the top four.
Goncalo Ramos proved he can fill Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots
Joao Felix, 23, Atletico Madrid
Another option could be Ramos’ Portugal pal Felix, who is expected to be on his way out of Atletico Madrid.
The flexible forward has struggled to kick on under Diego Simeone and the LaLiga side could decide to cash in early in the New Year.
However, the Red Devils face plenty of competition for Felix who has also been linked with Arsenal and now Chelsea.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
Joao Felix is a target for a host of Premier League clubs
Youssoufa Moukoko, 18, Borussia Dortmund
The Borussia Dortmund star burst on to the scene in 2020 and made his debut a day after his 16th birthday.
He now has kicked on in the absence of Erling Haaland and Sebastien Haller with 11 goals in 44 Bundesliga appearances.
Moukoko is out of contract at Dortmund at the end of the season but is also wanted by Chelsea.
Youssoufa Moukoko’s contract at Borussia Dortmumd expires in the summer
Dusan Vlahovic, 22, Juventus
United need to sign a genuine No9 with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial more effective playing off the flanks.
And Vlahovic would certainly fit the bill – he is a goalscorer and a good one at that.
His £70m move to Juventus from Fiorentina 12 months ago has not quite worked out as planned so United could pounce by giving the Serbian the chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
Dusan Vlahovic may be ready to test himself in England
Memphis Depay, 28, Barcelona
United may have missed out on Gakpo but could make a shock return for fellow Holland ace Depay to Old Trafford be on the cards?
Few would have envisaged his dramatic upturn when he left United in 2017 but Depay thrived at Lyon and earned his move to Barcelona.
But the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha this summer have limited his game time.
So with a host of English clubs circling, Ten Hag may want to work with his Dutch compatriot who has unfinished business and a point to prove.
Memphis Depay left United in 2017 but could a comeback be on the cards?
