The Mirror

Son Heung-min has spent 10 years at Tottenham Hotspur but at 32, the club captain is no longer a guaranteed starter and could be allowed to leave - but only after the club's summer tour of his homeland

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min could quit for Saudi Arabia - but only after going on Spurs’ lucrative tour to South Korea. South Korea forward Son, 32, has 12 months left on his current deal and is regarded as a club legend after helping Tottenham win their first trophy in 17 years.

But there is strong interest from the Saudi Pro League and other clubs in the Middle East for one of the Premier League ’s biggest names. However, Son is a huge name in his homeland, is one of the nation’s biggest ever exports and Tottenham are due to play in South Korea this summer.

Therefore, it would take a huge offer to persuade Spurs to allow him to go before they play Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 before, crucially, a game against Newcastle in Seoul three days later. Tottenham know the value of Son’s presence in these games and it attracts incredible commercial value and interest.

Son lost his automatic starting place last season and his future is uncertain despite the club opting to extend his contract for another 12 months.

But new boss Thomas Frank is looking at new forward options after making a move to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo - who is also wanted by Manchester United - and Bournemouth ’s Antoine Semenyo. They have also signed Mathys Tel on a permanent deal.

That has only heightened the doubt around Son’s future and this summer could see him move on - but only at the right time and price.

Son joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, scoring 173 goals in 454 appearances and is widely recognised as one of their best players of recent times.

Following a career-best season where Bryan Mbeumo scored 20 Premier League goals, the in-demand Brentford forward admitted he's up to the task of playing under intense pressure

Bryan Mbeumo admitted he has the ability and the mindset to take the next level in his career - as the Brentford attacker is at the centre of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. The 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout season with the west London club this season, scoring 20 goals and contributing eight assists in the Premier League as they finished 10th.

His stellar individual campaign has seen the Cameroon international attract intense interest from the likes of the two English sides.

Ruben Amorim's side emerged as the favourites to sign Mbeumo after tabling an initial bid worth up to £55million for the winger but was swiftly rejected by Brentford, who value their star player at £60m.

While the Red Devils are said to be preparing another offer for Mbeumo, Thomas Frank's decision to leave the Bees to become Ange Postecoglou's replacement at Spurs has seen the Europa League champions enter the race.

Keen to reunite with his former player, Spurs reportedly made a superior offer than United for Mbeumo's services with the north London side able to boast their Champions League participation next season.

A move to either club would be a big step in Mbeumo's career, having spent the last six years at Brentford as he was questioned by ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel on the The Obi One Podcast on whether he's able to push himself to get to the next level.

"I think this is something we can always do," Mbeumo said last month alongside team-mate Yoane Wissa. "But you need a lot of resilience because you can say, 'I want to be there' but if you don't do [enough] you won't be able to achieve what you really want.

"I think the mental part is to say to yourself when it's getting hard, 'can I go harder, yes' if you say no, you will stay the good player you are, you can't be the best."

Mbeumo insisted that he possesses the mindset to become a player that is consistently on the grandest stage. He was asked by Mikel's co-host Chris McHardy whether he has the mental strength to deal with the pressure that comes with representing a club like Manchester United.

"I always wanted to play the biggest game[s] for the biggest club when I was younger," Mbeumo responded. "It's easy to say that I want to be there but obviously you need to put a lot of demand on yourself and I've shown what I'm capable of.

"I'm really demanding of myself as well because I know I have the abilities [but] we never know what might happen."

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.

Man Utd's true feelings on Bryan Mbeumo transfer U-turn as Spurs attempt to hijack deal

Bryan Mbeumo is being chased by both Manchester United and Tottenham, with Spurs looking to take advantage of their recent appointment of Thomas Frank as their new manager

Manchester United are remaining relaxed over their move for Bryan Mbeumo with Tottenham still attempting to hijack the deal. Mbeumo grabbed the attention of top Premier League clubs with a stunning season for Brentford.

After Ivan Toney's move to the Saudi Pro League, Mbeumo became the Bees' main man. He duly stepped into that role, scoring 20 league goals to help Thomas Frank's side to finish 10th in the top-flight.

He has one year to run on his contract, with a club-held option for another 12 months. The London side are likely watching with relish as an auction over Mbeumo emerges between United and Spurs.

Both sides are keen to add to their attacking options, with Tottenham also hoping to use the fact that Frank is now their manager to their advantage. United saw a £55million offer rejected before Spurs moved for Frank.

And now the Dane is in place across the capital, Mbeumo is more open to joining his boss at the Europa League champions. If Mbeumo did snub a move to Old Trafford to join Spurs, it would be a major blow to United's summer plans.

They have already missed out on signing Liam Delap, with the Englishman opting to join Chelsea instead. Despite the threat of Mbeumo also snubbing them, BBC Sport claim that United are 'not concerned' that their move for the attacker will fall through.

Mbeumo spoke out on the speculation around his future ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday. While he wished Frank well, United are not reading anything into his interview.

Spurs have held initial discussions over a move, but Mbeumo's future is currently in something of a holding pattern. He was quizzed on the speculation on Sunday, but opted to largely avoid making any definitive statement.

"It (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," Mbeumo told Sky Sports.

"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.

"He's [Frank] done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start. I think he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player as well. So I can only wish him all the best, and I'm sure he's going to do well.

"I think he knows everything. He's really smart. He knows where he wants to bring the team, how he wants to play. I think he's been fantastic for Brentford. I think he's going to have some time to adapt, obviously.

"[ Champions League ] games, more expectations, as you said, but I'm sure he's going to do well. He knows how to talk to people. He knows how to build a group. And that's why we've been playing so well."

THE BIG DEBATE: Manchester United were in the driving seat to sign Bryan Mbeumo but former Brentford boss Thomas Frank now wants to convince the forward to join him at Tottenham

After a stellar season in the Premier League, Bryan Mbeumo finds himself at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war between Manchester United and Tottenham this summer.

The Brentford talisman, 25, is believed to have his heart set on a move to Old Trafford despite the Red Devils' calamitous 2024-25 campaign. But developments at Spurs, where Thomas Frank has been appointed as the club's new manager, has thrown a spanner into the works.

Mirror Football revealed prior to the weekend that Tottenham had launched a huge bid to try and gazump their rivals and, crucially, can offer the Cameroon star Champions League football.

With Spurs pushing to beat United to a deal, Mbeumo now has plenty to ponder. So we asked the Mirror Football team what he should do next...

Jeremy Cross

Bryan Mbeumo has a big decision to make. But whatever he chooses, it will see him jump from the frying pan into the fire.

He can either join the madhouse that is Manchester United and have at least one season without European football, or go to Tottenham, play in Europe, but accept he is now part of a club which is one of the biggest under-achievers of modern times.

His heart might tell him United will get back to the big time, but his head will be saying Spurs is the safest option. But wherever he ends up, Mbeumo will face the biggest challenge of his career.

Andy Dunn

It is hard for a lot of people to stomach but for all its recent troubles, Manchester United is still a club with a truly special allure.

It is still a club with a remarkable domestic and global fanbase, it is still a club that could fill a 100,000-seater stadium week in, week out, it is still a club with a wonderfully storied past. In short, it is still an iconic footballing institution. If and when the club becomes a major Premier League force again, it will be the biggest story in town and that is why Mbeumo should fancy the move to Old Trafford ahead of the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

There are several obvious reasons why Spurs is an attractive proposition but the idea of being part of an exciting United rebuild should be an enticing one. And anyhow, the importance of what will surely turn out to be a Champions League struggle for Spurs is probably overstated.

The talk is that Mbeumo’s heart tells him United … and he should go with his heart.

John Cross

Bryan Mbeumo should go to Tottenham. The Brentford forward is a serious player and moving to Tottenham, with his old boss Thomas Frank, would propel him to another level into the Champions League.

In many ways I admire his ambition and why he wants to move to Manchester United. They are still such a big club with amazing tradition and great pulling power. To be part of a team - him on one side with Matheus Cunha on the other - could be really special if they suddenly reignite a sleeping giant. But what a gamble.

And I refuse to believe it’s just about money and United offering more. Players earn huge wages and United are clearly trying to sell the dream. But Tottenham can offer European football.

Mbeumo is a terrific player One former Premier League manager, who has scouted and discovered countless players, is convinced he is elite level and even likened him to Mo Salah. That good.

His pace, skill, control and stats make him a huge star. He must choose well - because he has got the lot.

Chris McKenna

Bryan Mbeumo should be a man of his word. If he’s told Manchester United he wants to join them then he should go through with that.

What’s changed in the last few weeks? OK his boss at Brentford has joined Tottenham but are Tottenham suddenly in a different position? He knew they had Champions League football weeks ago and he knew United didn’t. If he told United he was sold on their project then not enough has changed since then for him to turn on his heels.

But that still needs United to pay up the money and if they don’t then the player will have to make a choice.

Jurgen Klopp once said he wanted players to push the train rather than ones who just want to jump on it. Mbeumo now has a decision to make which player he wants to be as United look to rebuild.

Daniel Marsh

Bryan Mbeumo should absolutely stick to his guns if Manchester United is the dream ticket.

Tottenham can offer Champions League football and, of course, the lure of working with Thomas Frank again. But as a player approaching his peak years the challenge of restoring an institution like Manchester United to their former glory is surely just as appealing.

The biggest factor here is that United are yet to strike a deal. Given they were leading a one-horse race before Frank swapped Brentford for Spurs, the onus is on them to make this happen.

Forget about what Mbeumo should do next, United have to get this done if they are serious about rebuilding; that's how highly I rate Mbeumo.

Tom Victor

If I were in Bryan Mbeumo’s position, I might find myself wondering why Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur represent the only offers seemingly on the table. Only three players scored more Premier League goals than the Cameroonian last season, and yet his options appear to involve either staying put or moving to a club which finished several spots below his Brentford side this season.

Mbeumo will be 26 when the new season begins. His peak years are approaching, but he can’t parlay that 20-goal season into more of a sure thing when it comes to locking in sustained Champions League football - with his two suitors mustering a combined two knockout ties in the competition this decade.

Of the two options, Tottenham looks to be the slightly better fit. A reunion with Thomas Frank speaks for itself, while a first crack at Champions League football for a player still playing second-tier football as recently as 2021 may well be an opportunity he can’t resist.

Yes, the potential upside at Old Trafford may feel greater, but how many others have thought the same in recent years only to find themselves lamenting wasted seasons. Spurs feels like the best option, even if Mbeumo might wonder why there isn’t something even better available to him.

Daniel Orme

It’s certainly a tricky decision for Mbeumo. It basically boils down to money or European football so it depends on what the Brentford forward wants from his career.

Given the investment that the Red Devils are making this summer, it might not actually be too long before they return to the Champions League and given that Old Trafford is his preferred option, it might make more sense to go there - but it is a big gamble.

However, with Thomas Frank being appointed by Spurs, he will know exactly how to make a success of him North London. And should he manage to replicate the form he has shown over recent seasons in Brentford, there is no reason why Mbeumo can’t play in the Champions League over the coming seasons with Spurs.

And while it might not have been in his thinking yet, a move to North London means he will not have to uproot anything. So as it stands, Spurs would potentially be the better option.

Tottenham and Manchester United are both trying to convince Bryan Mbeumo to sign for them this summer and now Spurs are weighing up a move for another star admired by their rivals

Tottenham are said to be eyeing up a deal for long-term Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite as they continue to map out their plans for the summer transfer window under Thomas Frank.

Spurs are anticipating a busy summer after choosing to replace Ange Postecoglou with Frank. And the Dane will be backed in the transfer market after the north London outfit booked their spot in the Champions League with victory in last month's Europa League final.

Mirror Football revealed last week how Spurs have already sprung into action to try and rival Manchester United for Brentford talisman, Bryan Mbeumo.

And a new report now claims that Tottenham have their sights set on another player admired by United in Branthwaite. The Everton defender, 22, was the subject of a £50million bid from United last summer but is now on Spurs' radar, according to The Mail.

It's said that Tottenham could even formalise their interest later this week, although Everton are thought to consider Branthwaite as not for sale this summer.

David Moyes is eager to keep the highly-rated centre half as the club ramp up their own preparations for the 2025-26 campaign, where they will officially grace their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the first time.

But Branthwaite is understood to be keen to step up to the next level with Spurs able to offer the former Carlisle United man Champions League football.

While it remains to be seen if United have plans to revisit a deal for Branthwaite, they are very keen on bringing Mbeumo to Old Trafford after already wrapping up the capture of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

The Brentford star refused to be drawn on his future during an impromptu interview at the Canadian Grand Prix but he did tip his old Bees boss, Frank, to do well at Spurs.

"He's done so much for me," Mbeumo told Sky Sports. "He literally trusted me from the start [at Brentford] and he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player so much as well. I can only wish him all the best and I'm sure he's going to do well."

He added: "He knows everything; he's really smart and knows what he wants to bring the team, how he wants them to play. He's been fantastic for Brentford."

Manchester United and Tottenham are both hoping to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo this summer after the 25-year-old netted 20 Premier League goals in 38 games last season

Manchester United reportedly remain confident that they will win the race to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, despite Tottenham's attempts to hijack the deal. Spurs made a play for Mbeumo after appointing Thomas Frank as their new manager.

Frank managed Mbeumo for six years at Brentford and Tottenham are able to offer the 25-year-old Champions League football, having qualified for the tournament by beating United 1-0 to win the Europa League.

Mirror Football understands that Spurs have made a £70million offer for Mbeumo which is worth an initial £65m plus £5m in add-ons. However, the Manchester Evening News are now reporting that United remain the frontrunners.

It is claimed that Mbeumo still prefers a move to United over Tottenham, despite hailing the impact Frank has had on his career while attending the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday. When asked about his future, Mbeumo told Sky Sports : "It (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. 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.

"He [Frank] has done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start," Mbeumo said. "I think he developed the team so well.

"He developed me as a human and a player as well. So I can only wish him all the best, and I'm sure he's going to do well.

"I think he knows everything. He's really smart. He knows where he wants to bring the team, how he wants to play. I think he's been fantastic for Brentford.

"I think he's going to have some time to adapt, obviously. [Champions League] games, more expectations, as you said, but I'm sure he's going to do well.

"He knows how to talk to people. He knows how to build a group. And that's why we've been playing so well.

"It's big shoes to fill. I think, (Frank had) seven years as a head coach. So, obviously it's going to be changing, but let's see."

Antonio Conte explains what angered him at Tottenham - 'You don't celebrate these things'

Former Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has reflected on his time in charge of the club and the Napoli boss has detailed one moment in particular which shocked him

Antonio Conte has opened up about his time in charge of Tottenham and taken a dig at the club for celebrating for a top-four finish. Conte joined Spurs in November 2021 after Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked and they went on to finish fourth that season.

Spurs finished two points ahead of fierce rivals Arsenal after beating them 3-0 in a North London derby clash with just two games left to play. As a result, Tottenham qualified for the Champions League and Arsenal ended up in the Europa League.

And Conte was left shocked by the way his side celebrated finishing fourth, claiming that "going to the Champions League was like winning the Premier League ". Reflecting on his time at Spurs, Conte told Sky Italia : "It was a difficult year at Tottenham.

"I arrived in November with them ninth in the standings and we ended up in the Champions League, overtaking Arsenal… For them, going to the Champions League was like winning the Premier League.

"On the last day, the Champions League entry was celebrated in the dressing room. I called my staff and told them: we don't get used to these celebrations.

"You don't celebrate these things. We are used to celebrating other things. OK, great feat, but at the same time, we understand what kind of celebration it is."

Conte was axed the following season after publicly criticising the club and questioning his squad's mentality following a 3-3 draw with Southampton where Spurs blew a 3-1 lead. "Why is it happening? Because they are used to it here, they are used to it," he fumed.

"They don't play for something important yeah. They don't want to play under pressure, they don't want to play under stress. It is easy in this way.

"Tottenham's story is this. 20 years there is the owner and they never won something but why The fault is only for the club, or for every manager that stay here. I have seen the managers that Tottenham had on the bench.

"You risk to disrupt the figure of the manager and to protect the other situation in every moment. Until now I try to hide the situation but now no because I repeat I don't want to see what I have seen today because this is unacceptable and also unacceptable for the fans.

"They follow us, pay the ticket and to see the team another time to have this type of performance is unacceptable. We have to think a lot about this."

Tottenham made the bold decision to sack Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian boss winning them the Europa League, but the 59-year-old is not expected to be short of offers amid interest from the Saudi Pro League

Former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is said to be "seriously considering" a move to the Saudi Pro League to coach Al-Ahli after his brutal sacking by Spurs earlier this month.

The Australian lost his job despite winning the Europa League for Tottenham, their first trophy in 17 years as he became only the third manager in their history to deliver a European trophy.

But he still came under huge pressure after the team finished in 17th place, their worst ever finish in the Premier League and the only side to lose 22 games without being relegated.

Spurs admitted it was "one of the toughest decisions we have had to make" as they insisted they couldn't be ruled by emotion in the wake of their cup success.

Postecoglou has since been replaced by Thomas Frank, who arrived from Brentford, and the ex-Celtic boss is now looking ahead to the next chapter in his career.

He has reportedly been approached by Saudi side Al-Ahli amid concerns that current boss Matthias Jaissle could leave the club after turning down a number of new contract offers. And according to the Sun, Postecoglou is attracted to the prospect of managing in the Middle East and is mulling over the Al-Ahli job should Jaissle depart.

The report goes on to say that the 59-year-old also has interest from England and in Europe. It adds that he would be open to another job in the Premier League if the opportunity presents itself.

If he does take over at Al-Ahli, Postecoglou would link up with England international Ivan Toney, as well as ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino, former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez and ex-Barcelona star Franck Kessie.

Al-Ahli have just won the AFC Champions League, so he could inherit a situation similar to Frank at Tottenham where is succeeding a successful manager.

Whatever Postecoglou's next move ends up being, he will be able to boast an impressive trophy record, having won silverware at almost every major team he's managed. He released a statement after his Spurs sacking, expressing his "pride" over his tenure and achievements.

"When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride," he said. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream."

He was outstanding for Brentford last season but a £70million valuation of Bryan Mbeumo seems a touch excessive. But it seems that is what Spurs are prepared to pay in order to secure his services.

As no-one knows Mbeumo better than Thomas Frank, perhaps the 25-year-old is worth that sort of money but, on the overall evidence of his six years in England, it seems a touch excessive. And it would seem unlikely that Manchester United would match or better that figure.

But they might not need to. Mbeumo might tell Brentford that he wants to go to Old Trafford, not Spurs. As unlikely as it seems, Mbeumo could well be a test case for United’s pulling power, which was once unrivalled and has not faded as much as some people might think.

On the face of it, there are many reasons why a move to Spurs is a very attractive proposition for Mbeumo. In no particular order …

*He will be playing in the Champions League.

*He will be playing for a manager he clearly likes and has a relatively long and happy relationship with.

*He will not have to leave London.

And on the face of it, there are many reasons why a move to United is not an unequivocally attractive proposition. In no particular order …

*He will be playing for a manager who might not be there that long.

*He will be playing for a team that finished five places and 14 points below Brentford last season.

*He will not be playing in any European competition, never mind the Champions League.

But there is one fundamental reason why Mbeumo might try and insist on going north. It is still Manchester United. And whenever United re-establish themselves as an elite force in the Premier League - which they will, sooner or later - it will be the biggest story in town.

That is a fact, like it or not. (And I get it that a lot of people don’t.) One of Jurgen Klopp’s mantras was about wanting players who would ‘push the train, not jump on the running train.’

It was a reference to players who relished the challenge of being key to the revitalisation of a team. From his decision to join United and from his comments when signing, Matheus Cunha seems that sort of character.

“I know it’s been a hard season for everyone,” said Cunha. “But I think my decision shows what this club is for me and what I believe this club can be. For me, no-one else is like United.”

And again, a lot of people will not like it, but you can see where Cunha is coming from. Listen, money will play a part. It always does.

United will probably be in a position to pay Mbeumo considerably more than he might earn at Tottenham Hotspur. And a cynic might think the prospect of more money and, with no European football, a lighter workload might be of considerable appeal to the modern footballer.

But for all the club’s tribulations, for all the club’s mediocrity on the field, Manchester United is still a huge draw for a player. And in the case of their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, Spurs might just be about to be reminded of that.