Man Utd target Gakpo and Palhinha transfers as scouts watch rising stars

Manchester United are weighing up moves for PSV Eindhoven hotshot Cody Gakpo and Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinha.

Old Trafford scouts have watched 22-year-old Gakpo several times this season, with the striker the standout performer for the Eredivisie side.

He is regarded as one of the best young prospects in Europe, and has scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists for PSV in this campaign.

United's interim-manager, Ralf Rangnick, has instructed the club's recruitment team to check up on Gakpo and he was watched most recently in the Dutch team's 1-0 Europa League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv, in which he scored the winner.

United are in the market for attacking reinforcements with doubts surrounding the long-term futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, and with Mason Greenwood suspended.

The club are also interested in defensive midfielder Palhinha, who has just signed a new deal at his Portuguese club.

The deal runs until 2026 but is understood to have been more about Sporting protecting the value of their asset.

The release clause in the deal is close to £50million but Sporting will listen to offers north of £20m, with performance-based add-ons.

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United scouts are understood to have watched Palhinha in at least eight matches this season, with suggestions in Portugal that the club has a preferential option to buy him with Sporting.

United would have to commit to buy Palhinha no later than the first week of June, or Sporting will offer him elsewhere.

Atletico Madrid are also interested but would struggle to meet Sporting's valuation of the player, while Wolves are also keen but the player does not fancy a move to Molineux.