Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo that he is the ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to The Mirror.

The English tabloid even claims that the Dutchman would be handed Ronaldo’s no.7 jersey if he opts to join the Red Devils during the January transfer window.

Other Premier League teams, including Arsenal and Newcastle, hold a “serious interest” in Gakpo, along with Real Madrid, but ten Hag is counting on his strong relationship with the player to get the deal over the line.

Gakpo came through PSV’s academy while ten Hag was the Eredivisie side’s assistant manager a decade ago and he has kept in touch with the player and his family ever since.

It is believed that the 23-year-old will be sold by PSV for the right price next month. A fee of around £50m may be required to secure the player’s services.