PSV Eindhoven chief John de Jong has admitted he doesn’t know how long he can keep star Cody Gakpo if the likes of Manchester City maintain their interest.
Gakpo has been the undisputed star of the show for PSV this season, with six goals and ten assists in 15 games in Eredivisie this season.
That has predictably earned the 22-year-old plenty of attention in Europe, with several Premier League sides thought to be keen.
Reports last month indicated that Manchester City had already held ‘exploratory talks’ with the player about a potential move to England.
Then PSV move quickly to tie up the forward to a new deal, with Gakpo recently extending his contract with the Dutch side until 2026.
That should protect them if the likes of Manchester City come calling again in the summer, something that is more than possible given their previous talks.
And De Jong is certainly worried about that prospect, admitting he does not know how long he can keep the big clubs at bay.
“The interest started early in the season, when he performed well, also with the Dutch national team,” he told PSV TV, relayed by Voetbal Primeur.
“My goal is to keep him for the season at all times. How long we can keep him out of the hands of the big clubs in Europe, I don’t know. How he performs is the most important thing.
“That (his contract) says a lot. A nice signal to players in the academy and in this group.
“The path that he goes through from youth player to important base player, to the second captain is beautiful. An example.”
