Manchester United are determined to make Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo their second signing of the summer but they could face competition from one of their Premier League rivals
Thomas Frank has told Spurs he wants them to rival Manchester United for £60million Bryan Mbeumo. Frank is set to be confirmed as Ange Postecoglou’s successor next week and is keen to take Brentford’s in-demand forward with him to north London.
Mbeumo would represent a statement signing for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy who could trump United’s bid with Champions League football. Although United remain favourites for the 25-year-old’s signature, Mbeumo now has a decision as to whether to follow his head or his heart.
The Cameroon international bagged 20 league goals over the past season to attract the attention of United and Newcastle with the Magpies’ January move for him rejected.
Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland outscored him in the top flight last term, while his seven assists were also key in helping Brentford to a top-half finish.
United have made two bids for him with the player, as things stand, open to a move and undeterred by their poor first season under Ruben Amorim. Mbeumo has a year left on his contract with an option for an extra year.
But United, who have held extensive talks with his representatives for some time, have yet to agree a deal with Brentford, leaving the door open for Spurs to make their move. The offer on the table at Old Trafford is around £150,000-a-week with add-ons taking the package up to £200,000-a-week.
Spurs would offer Mbeumo around £130,000-a-week and although bonuses would still leave them short of the United package, the north Londoners would still have the pull of Champions League football and Frank - who turned Mbeumo into one of the most feared forwards in the top flight.
Mbeumo’s hot streak last season ended fears that the Bees would struggle after seeing star striker Ivan Toney leave for Saudi Arabia on Transfer deadline day in August.
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Speaking about Mbeumo's future earlier this month, Frank said: "It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Really a lot. Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for."
He added: "I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don't look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.
"How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”