SAINTS have reportedly been rebuffed in their attempts to sign PSV’s Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch club deciding not to sell the forward after all.

The 23-year-old had been subject to heavy reports of interest from Saints and Leeds United, with the former said to be willing to smash their club record transfer.

The likes of BBC Radio Solent had suggested Saints were willing to meet PSV’s valuation for the Netherlands international, who scored a hattrick for his club last night.

Gakpo, six-foot two-inches tall, was seen as the ideal addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s forward lines with the ability to play as a winger and out-and-out striker.

Gakpo has scored six goals in four Eredivisie matches so far this campaign, and looks set to remain in his homeland until at least January.

The Athletic report PSV have decided against selling Gakpo to either Saints or Leeds United, with the Yorkshire club said to have sent their director of football, Victor Orta, to watch him yesterday.

PSV are said to be hopeful of agreeing a new lucrative contract with Gakpo, despite his current terms already stretching to 2026.

It could have taken a fee of up to £40million to prise Gakpo from PSV this summer, making other clubs aware that Saints have the money to spend should they readdress other targets.

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