Manchester United and Tottenham are in a race to secure Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo this summer, as both sides look to bolster their squad after a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign
Bryan Mbeumo looks to be on the move from Brentford this summer, but the burning question is will he arrive at Old Trafford or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 25-year-old winger scored 20 goals and bagged eight assists for the Bees this season, and as a result, a number of their Premier League rivals are linked with him.
Manchester United have been pursuing Mbeumo since the initial summer transfer window opened, with Ruben Amorim looking to bolster his firepower for 2025/26 following a dismal 15th-place finish. The Red Devils saw an initial bid worth up to £55million rejected by Brentford, who value Mbeumo at £60m.
However, it is said that United are currently preparing another offer for the Cameroon international, who has 22 caps for the country. Thomas Frank moving to north London put the cat amongst the pigeons.
The Danish mastermind, who enjoyed seven years at Brentford, was appointed as Spurs' new manager earlier this month in the wake of Ange Postecoglou's sacking, and he will also be hoping to enhance his attacking options as the Lilywhites finished even lower than United in 17th, albeit beating them in the Europa League final.
Frank is keen on a reunion and Spurs made their first offer last week, MORE THAN what has been offered by the powers-that-be at Old Trafford.. As the saga rumbles on, Mirror Football breaks down all the latest developments...
United remain confident
It's claimed United remain confident in their pursuit of Mbeumo despite interest from Spurs. According to the MEN, the forward has told confidants that Old Trafford is his destination of choice, although other sources have claimed that he has not snubbed the possibility of reuniting with Frank at Spurs.
Sources say Spurs are "going hard" for the talisman and are potentially ready to offer a higher salary, but United are still the frontrunners in the race to secure his signature. After already shelling out £62.5m on Matheus Cunha, it's clear Amorim has the backing of the board this summer as he looks to overhaul his inherited squad from Erik ten Hag.
And it is thought that Mbeumo would be perfect for Amorim's patented 3-4-2-1 system as United hope to find an answer for their right-hand flank, given that it has been a problem position at Old Trafford for more than a decade now.
Mbeumo speaks out
Elsewhere, Mbeumo has noted that he "accepts" the speculation surrounding his future. Spurs are said to have held initial talks with Brentford over a deal for the attacker, who finds himself more intrigued by the team now that they have playing under Frank as an added incentive.
And Mbeumo has also spoken out as the transfer saga continues to roll on. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It (the transfer speculation) is a bit new for me I would say. I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it."
He added: "It's been my best season so far in the Premier League. And even collectively, I think we did play very good games. I think we've been unlucky to chase the Europe spot, but I think it's been a fantastic season."
Despite sources claiming that Mbeumo is more favouring of United this summer, the star has kept his cards incredibly close to his chest since Spurs entered the race for his signature.
Spurs eye a Plan B
Spurs have a back-up in mind should they be unable to sign Mbeumo this summer, with talks having been held with the representatives of Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth. The winger enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season with the Cherries in 2024/25, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists in the Premier League.
Spurs like his versatility, able to play wide or as a No.9. But Bournemouth have no intention of parting with the Ghanaian, 25, cheaply - refusing to go for anything less than £60m, however, reflecting his importance as a key player.