Manchester United continue to experience pressure in the face of agreeing their next summer transfer for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.
Having successfully signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves, the drive for more attacking recruits is in full force. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Man United are currently chasing down Mbeumo after he indicated his preferred move was to Old Trafford.
A new striker is also on the agenda and so is a midfielder, all which can help round off Ruben Amorim's squad ahead of an incredibly important 2025/26 campaign.
But with Mbeumo identified and that all falling into place, a spanner was thrown in the works by Tottenham Hotspur's interest in the 20-goal attacker. They have since recruited Brentford boss Thomas Frank, so have a personal connection with the Cameroonian in their bid to change his mind.
Still, Man United remain confident of winning this battle and here, MEN Sport analyses the latest headlines in the saga.
Mbeumo worry
According to The Athletic, Spurs are pivoting away from an alternative attacking target amid their interest for Mbeumo.
Alongside Brentford's star man, the north Londoners have also taken notice of the 13 goals and seven assists recorded by Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth last term.
A move to Spurs appeals to the Ghanaian though with a reported price tag of £70m, the suitors are not proceeding to strike a deal - at least at present.
Meanwhile it is said Frank and Co. are hopeful of persuading Mbeumo of giving up his desire to move to Old Trafford and join his old boss instead.
MEN Sport says: This is a blow in as much as that Spurs are limiting their own targets, narrowing their focus down to Mbeumo it seems. But, the situation remains that Mbeumo has chosen Man United and it is now up to the clubs involved to make his wish a reality. For now, Spurs can be considered a distraction rather than a true threat.
Frank influence
Fabrizio Romano has explained how Spurs' internal discussions over whether to make a play for Mbeumo began when Frank took their managerial job last week.
On what happened behind the scenes, he told GiveMeSport: "For sure, there is appreciation from Thomas Frank.
"And so it's quite obvious to discuss a target like [Bryan] Mbeumo for Tottenham, because he's one of the names they discussed internally as soon as he signed his contract as new Tottenham manager.
"It's obvious in football to see these kinds of situations."