After Harry Kane, Real Madrid Eye Cody Gakpo As Benzema's Replacement; Here's What We Know

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo ahead of the January transfer window.

Gakpo has a contract with PSV until 2026, but the Dutch winger is being chased by several top European clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United. Los Blancos are seeing Gakpo as a possible long-term replacement for aging Karim Benzema, reported Spanish outlet Diario AS.

Real Madrid have a reputation for chasing players who do well in the FIFA World Cup. It is the same case with Gakpo, who had a stand-out campaign with the Netherlands, scoring three goals in five matches. The Dutch side lost on penalties to Argentina in the quarter-final.

The 23-year-old player's market value, which was around $48 million, rose to around $64 million at the beginning of the World Cup, according to French outlet Foot Marcelo.

Since Gakpo's market value is currently on the rise, the Netherlands-based PSV have labeled him at around $80 million.

It was reported that even though Manchester United shortlisted Gakpo as an ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, the club could miss out because of their financial situation. The owners of the Old Trafford club, The Glazer family, are believed to be looking for potential buyers. Since their finances are not the best at present, the Red Devils may not be in the race to land the Dutch player in the January transfer window.

Gakpo entered the World Cup on the back of a great start with PSV. He netted 13 goals and assisted 17 in 24 matches in all competitions this season.

Apart from Gakpo, Real Madrid reportedly also have Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane on their radar as a possible replacement for Ballon d'Or holder Benzema.

Kane has been one of the top strikers in the world for many years now but he has not been able to win trophies with the North London club. While he was heavily linked with a move away from Spurs a couple of seasons ago, he ended up staying put. Kane is contracted with Spurs until 2024.