PSV Director admits Memphis Depay could leave this summer

Netherlands winger Memphis Depay could leave PSV Eindhoven this summer, the Dutch clubs director Toon Gerbrands has confirmed.

Depay, 21, is the subject of a transfer tussle between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – with the latter believed to have launched a bid of £14.6milion which was rejected immediately by the Eredivisie side.

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The Netherlands international caught the eye of Europe’s elite after experiencing a breakthrough debut World Cup campaign in Brazil, where he scored two goals in four appearances for the national side. His ability to take on players while finding the back of the net was pleasing to see and he has now been compared to the likes of Arjen Robben.

He’s been in ravishing form this season for his club, finding the back of the net 21 times in 31 appearances for PSV so far as they look to claim the Dutch league title ahead of arch rivals Ajax.

However, even though the club want to keep Depay for as long as possible, Gerbrands is expecting the Philips Stadion outfit to be deluged with offers for their prized jewel and admitted that he could be on his way out come June. Speaking to Dutch television station NOS, Gerbrands said as quoted by Manchester Evening News:

"“Tottenham were willing to offer €20m for Depay. We decided to keep hold of him, but he has the option to leave after this season.”"

Depay’s PSV colleague Giorginio Wijnaldum has put in some colossal shifts this season for the Dutch champions too, and is expected to attract a host of suitors in the summer transfer window.

"“I think these two players are very attractive to a lot of clubs in Europe.“So far, no-one has come forward with an offer but I expect we will come under great pressure.”"

There are a plethora of factors which play in favour of United being the most inevitable destination for Depay. The Old Trafford outfit’s yearning for an electrifying presence on the wings is no secret and, in Depay they have a target which possibly ticks all the boxes – be it trickery, adroitness or relentless pace.

Additionally, the dismal form of £59 million summer recruit Angel Di Maria has been worrying of late, thereby justifying the need of an able understudy in Van Gaal’s roster. With Ashley Young being the only out-and-out winger performing at an acceptable level with consistency, the addition of a player like Depay would ease the pressure off Van Gaal’s shoulders to a massive extent, especially with the 63 year-old aware of the youngster’s qualities.

Nevertheless, if at all United are successful in landing Depay’s signature, they will have to offload some players in order to make room for him in the squad. Keeping recent performances in mind, the only player who could possibly be given the boot is Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia. The former Wigan man has been in good form this season but has adopted a new position at right-back. He did sign a new contract in the summer so that could mean Juan Mata being shifted out and Di Maria coming inside to make room for Depay.

Tottenham are believed to have a strong interest in signing Depay and have given a clear indication of their intentions by tabling a €20 million bid as mentioned above.

Nevertheless, United hold an upper hand in the race for the in-form forward, given the kind of relationship Depay shares with Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal. The Old Trafford boss acts as a surrogate father to Depay, advising and guiding him on important decisions regarding his career.

In fact, it was Van Gaal who instructed Depay to spend one more season with PSV instead of hankering for a move post Netherlands’ World Cup campaign, in order to master with the nuances of the Eredevisie. And in such a situation, you would expect Depay’s decision to be swayed unidirectionally due to the kind of bond he shares with his former national coach with United currently holding the momentum in the race for Champions League football.

Next: Wayne Rooney defends Angel Di Maria