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Memphis Depay: Why Manchester United are linked with PSV winger

Memphis Depay celebrates his winner

Friday 10 April 2015 11:17, UK

Find out more about why Manchester United have been linked with PSV’s Memphis Depay...

Memphis Depay has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe and it’s easy to see why. The 19-goal Eredivisie top scorer is making huge strides forward in his homeland and reports continue to link the Netherlands international with a move to Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal knows Depay well having given the 21-year-old dribbling sensation his international debut and seen him score twice during last summer’s World Cup, in which he was named on the shortlist for young player of the tournament.

Van Gaal was in Amsterdam last month to see Depay steal the show for his country in a 2-0 win over European champions Spain and the performance further emphasised the fact that the PSV youngster is a player of vast potential.

Louis van Gaal shares a light moment with Netherlands forward Memphis Depay during a training session in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Image: Louis van Gaal worked closely with Memphis Depay at the World Cup

Current Oranje coach Guus Hiddink is a confirmed admirer. “Depay has the potential to become Netherlands' best player,” he told NOS. “I've noticed that he has even more potential than I first thought now that I'm working with him. He is incredibly interested and keen to learn.”

PSV coach Phillip Cocu now appears to have given up hope of holding onto the club’s star asset for much longer. “I think he is ready for the next step, and I think that he will leave,” said Cocu, quoted in Voetbal International.

Not everyone is convinced that Depay is ready for a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs just yet though. Former PSV team-mate Jeremain Lens told Voetbal International: “I think Memphis definitely has the potential to play for a top ten club in Europe, but I advise him first to take an intermediate step.”

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Southampton winger Eljero Elia has expressed a similar sentiment. "I think it will be best for him if he stays in Eindhoven. My feeling is he should play in the Champions League for PSV,” said Elia.

“In that way he would already have the experience of playing at the highest level in his locker before he makes a move at 22. PSV don't need the money and I feel Memphis also doesn't need it as he signed a nice contract recently.”

Is Depay ready? Check out the video of his best PSV’s goals above or tune in to Sky Sports 5 HD on Friday evening to watch him in action for PSV against PEC Zwolle to make up your own mind about Holland’s hottest prospect.