Manchester Evening News

Tottenham Hotspur parted ways with chairman Daniel Levy this week leading to speculation surrounding the future of the Premier League club

Manchester United supporters' hopes of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani taking full control of the club could have been handed a blow following the news coming out of Tottenham Hotspur this week.

Spurs recently announced that their chairman of 25 years Daniel Levy had left the club. The news came as a shock to the football world considering the billionaire's keen affection towards the north London club and his previous denial that he would walk away.

Reports have suggested that Levy was moved on by the owners the ENIC Group as they look to take Spurs to the next level. While in their statement announcing the chairman's exit Tottenham insisted that this decision would not lead to a takeover, speculation is rife that the owners will sell sooner rather than later.

Newcastle's former owner Amanda Staveley has held previous interest in investing in Spurs and so has Sheikh Jassim. The Qatari banker was one of the frontrunners to purchase United when the Glazers opened themselves up to offers.

Sheikh Jassim's plan was for a full takeover but it soon became clear that the Glazers wanted to sell a minority stake in the club. While this was not something the Sheikh wanted to entertain, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos agreed leading to the structure of the club that we see today.

Soon afterwards, the banker was linked with a move to Spurs after inklings that an opportunity could arise to purchase them. However, there is still a long way to go before that deal could be done.

Ratcliffe and Ineos appear committed to the long-term project at United and, as such, Sheikh Jassim may feel that moving for Tottenham is a quicker way of getting into the elite Premier League group. Levy's exit throws a twist to the saga as clearly Spurs are going through a period of transition in the boardroom.

Whether this makes a full takeover in the short-term more or less likely remains to be seen. But as things stand, there is more chance of Sheikh Jassim purchasing Spurs than the Reds.

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Daniel Levy has stepped down as Tottenham's executive chairman after almost 25 years at the club, with iconic Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's opinion on the savvy negotiator clear

Daniel Levy has stepped down as Tottenham's executive chairman, and legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's admission encapsulates what a hard nut he was to crack.

Levy, who joined the Spurs board in December 2000, has been the driving force behind the north London club's transition from White Hart Lane to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He now steps down after almost 25 years without any alterations to his ownership or shares in the club.

This follows closely on the heels of Vinai Venkatesham's appointment as chief executive officer, while Peter Charrrington has joined the board and assumed the role of non-executive chairman, in what is being portrayed as a move prioritising sporting success.

During his tenure with Spurs, Levy was known for his hardball approach to transfers, earning a reputation as a savvy negotiator with a knack for striking a deal.

However, these tactics irked iconic United manager Ferguson when the two clubs were pitted against each other in negotiations over Dimitar Berbatov 17 years ago.

Berbatov eventually completed a move from White Hart Lane to Old Trafford for £30million, although the acrimonious aftermath saw Tottenham lodge a complaint with the Premier League over the transfer. Subsequently, Ferguson was less than flattering when reflecting on the negotiations.

"That whole experience was more painful than my hip replacement," he wrote in his book, Leading, highlighting the challenging nature of dealing with Levy and indirectly praising his negotiation skills.

Upon the announcement of his departure, Levy issued a heartfelt statement: "I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees.

"We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community," he added.

"I was fortunate enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

"I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately."

Berbatov was Ferguson's record buy and enjoyed a successful four years under the Scot's management. He registered 56 goals and 27 assists in 149 games for the Red Devils.

He departed for Fulham in 2012 with a considerably bolstered silverware collection. He'd picked up medals for two Premier League triumphs, two League Cups, two Community Shields and a Club World Cup.

Captain leading by example

There has been a determination from the squad to make up for last season, led by Bernardo Silva who will not tolerate any drop in standards.

That will be welcomed, but there are no guarantees that it will translate into winning returns on the pitch.

Nevertheless, City were keen on making their mark at Wolves last week and there will be a similar mentality today for the first home game of the season

Ederson uncertainty

Pep Guardiola admitted doubts over Ederson's future at Manchester City as he refused to confirm he would start against Tottenham.

Ederson has been City's No.1 for eight years but interest from Galatasaray in signing him this summer has intensified over the last fortnight.

Guardiola insisted that Ederson would start the Premier League opener against Wolves last weekend, only for the Brazilian to be struck down with gastroenteritis in the minutes between that claim and City getting on the bus to travel to Molineux.

James Trafford played instead, and impressed with a clean sheet on his debut for the club he has re-joined after two years at Burnley.

Ederson has trained all week and is available to start against Spurs on Saturday. However, a week on Guardiola was unwilling to make the same promise that his No.1 would be playing as long as he was fit.

Here's what the boss had to say

Squad uncertainty

Two players will need to drop out of the squad if Rodri and Phil Foden are to come into it, and with no injuries it will be interesting to see who that is.

Manu Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan are the two who have been most spoken about in terms of an exit this transfer window but there are no guarantees and lots of uncertainty across the group heading into the final days of the window.

Guardiola wants a smaller squad and can make clear who he thinks is currently on the outside of it today.

Transfer thinking

With a little over a week of the transfer window to go, there remains a sense that plates are being spun within Manchester City, with the possibility that one crashing to the floor could yet set off a chain reaction.

There is clearly a need to trim this squad, as Pep Guardiola has made clear all summer and with more force the closer we get to September 1. According to the City boss, the squad is "too big" and "unhealthy."

So, it was inevitable that Friday's press conference would focus heavily on transfer activity as another week passes without a permanent departure, despite speculation surrounding the futures of Ederson, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Ilkay Gundogan, and Savinho.

Guardiola played a pretty straight bat to questions about potential exits, but in many ways, his answer also revealed the situation City find themselves in heading into the final days of August.

Read more here

Early team news

City welcome back Rodri and Phil Foden to their matchday squad for the visit of Tottenham.

The pair were absent for the opening day win at Molineux but are back in the fold for the clash with Spurs on Saturday lunchtime.

Whether they return to the XI remains to be seen after City sauntered to a 4-0 opening day victory over Wolves.

Ederson, who is the subject of transfer interest, is also available but James Trafford gave an accomplished display on debut and seems set to continue in goal.

Guessing the XI is no easy task at the moment but here's our predicted City team

All change at the Etihad

City fans will return to several changes when they step foot in the Etihad Stadium this lunchtime.

Even before a ball is kicked there will be differences. Extensive work has been going on all summer with the North Stand expansion, predominantly the removal of the old roof and adding a new one to create a single tier for the 7,000 new seats together with what used to be the top section.

A new screen has been added in the south-east corner of the ground that will predominantly be to the benefit of North Stand goers while there have also been improvements to the concourses in that stand.

Have a look at what to expect here

Injury update

Rodri and Phil Foden are ready to feature today after missing City's opening game of the Premier League campaign. The pair were sat in the stands for the 4-0 win at Molineux after a disrupted pre-season.

Rodri was out for six weeks after the Club World Cup with a groin injury picked up against Al Hilal, and has only started to train again with the squad in the last few weeks. Foden had looked sharp in pre-season but picked up a knock on his ankle before the pre-season game at Palermo this month and didn't travel with the squad for that win in Sicily.

If those returns will boost City - and put more pressure on the squad with competition for places with two needing to be left out if Foden and Rodri return - the Blues will still be without four players for their first Premier League home game.

Savinho is still described as injured amid transfer interest from Spurs, Mateo Kovacic is out until October after his Achilles surgery, Marcus Bettinelli picked up an injury in pre-season and Josko Gvardiol remains out. The Croatian had been seen training this week but it is still too early for him to come back.

Read more here

Welcome along

Good morning, good morning.

It's the first Premier League home game of the season with Spurs the visit to the Etihad.

Both teams enjoyed comfortable opening day wins so something has to give this lunchtime as City return to home soil.

It promises to be a cracker of a contest with plenty of intrigue surrounding both clubs with each going through something of a rebuild.

We make City the favourites but, like many a Blue, we're wary of Spurs given the recent history between these two sides. (No mention of this fixture last season please).

Anyway, stick with us for all the build-up, action, reaction and analysis right here.

What better way to kick off your weekend eh?

A number of pundits have offered their predictions ahead of Man City vs Tottenham

Manchester City will look to build on their opening weekend win away at Wolves when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium in their first home match of the Premier League campaign.

City were excellent last weekend as they ran out 4-0 winners at Molineux thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland and goals from new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.

They now take on Thomas Frank's side, who were also comfortable winners last weekend as they beat newly promoted Burnley 3-0 in North London.

A number of pundits have offered their predictions ahead of the game and we have rounded them up below.

Chris Sutton

The former Blackburn and Celtic forward told BBC Sport: "Manchester City really impressed me last week and everyone is rightly talking about Tijjani Reijnders.

"Statman Dave told me to get him into my fantasy team, I didn't take that advice and I should've done. He was brilliant against Wolves.

"I do think Tottenham will be a level above under Thomas Frank. It'll be interesting how they set up. They played a back three in the Super Cup final against Paris St-Germain.

"Cristian Romero has signed a new contract for Tottenham, that's a big deal. But how did they not get a deal for Eberechi Eze over the line? It had been going on for weeks and now Arsenal have come in and embarrassed them!

"Tottenham are still a few players short from properly challenging the really big teams and in this game I think City at home will be too strong for them."

Sutton's prediction: Man City 2-1 Tottenham

Harry Redknapp

The former Tottenham boss told football betting site BetVictor: "What a game this could be, two sides that really started in style. I thought City were outstanding away to Wolves, I was very impressed. They were full of energy, and they were so slick, it could have been more.

"I thought Reijnders was just magnificent at Molineux. If he can keep form up, he’ll be the signing of the season. I’m very intrigued to see him here.

"Thomas Frank has started well as Spurs boss, they looked good against Burnley last week. They definitely seem organised, but I worry about them going forward, they look light in the attacking areas.

"I think they’ll definitely be goals in this one, but I’m going for City."

Redknapp's prediction: Man City 3-1 Tottenham

Paul Merson

The Sky Sports pundit told Sportskeeda: "This is the first real test of the new season for Manchester City and Tottenham. I remember Spurs went to the Etihad last season and destroyed City. A lot has changed at both clubs since then, and this game will be a good watch.

"I still think Tottenham are a work in progress. You can't get carried away by the win against Burnley. I don't see them getting well beaten by City though, that's not happening under Thomas Frank. Spurs will be disappointed about losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal. Now they have to go put all their eggs in some other basket.

"Erling Haaland looked sharp in the win over Wolves and as long as he's fit, City will always be in the title race. But I don't fancy the wingers at Pep Guardiola's disposal. I'm not a big fan of Jeremy Doku. I just think he does not make things happen often enough. When Phil Foden is ready, I expect him to come back into the team and City's front three will look a lot stronger.

"I'm not as bullish as I was with my predictions in the past about this fixture. Frank will go there with a plan to stop City. I'm still backing Manchester City to win, but Spurs could have their moments."

Manchester City are still awaiting the conclusion of the 115 Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges hearing that was first brought forward in February 2023

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has urged the Premier League to accelerate the result of Manchester City's Financial Fair Play (FFP) hearing ahead of the new campaign starting in less than a fortnight.

In February 2023, City were charged with 115 historical FFP breaches by the top flight. It was alleged the breaches took place between 2009 and 2018, mainly relating to the manner in which players and staff were paid by the club.

City have vehemently denied these charges and expressed they had 'irrefutable evidence' which cleared their name. Despite being charged more than two years ago now, the hearing only began in September 2024 and lasted two months.

There had been hope that City would discover their fate at the beginning of 2025 but that timeline came and went. Now with less than two weeks until the start of the campaign, it is rumoured that we will be waiting until at least October for the hearing verdict to be published.

Amid the delays and confusion, Levy was asked about the situation on The Overlap with former Manchester United captain Gary Neville. Explaining his thoughts on the matter, the Spurs chairman said: "I think it would be really unfair of me to talk about another club in the Premier League, all I would say is that it’s going through a process which I think has gone on for far too long.

"It needs to be brought, for the good of the game, to a conclusion one way or another." Neville went on to complain about the Premier League's perceived mishandling of the situation describing it as 'shameful' that they cannot get their house in order.

Levy responded: "Well I, as I said, I think it was the FA that should have brought us all together. I agree, it's unfortunate that we haven’t been able to resolve things internally rather than the recourse of the lawyers because the lawyers are going to earn a lot of money out of this."

City are currently unaware of what their fate could hold should the hearing find them guilty. Punishments varying from fines to expulsion from the Premier League have all been suggested.

However, should they be found not guilty, City may still not be out of danger. The top flight could choose to appeal the decision from the independent panel and, likewise, the Blues can appeal if they are found guilty.

Either way, this saga still seems a long way from being settled.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened negotiations over a possible move for a Bayern Munich midfielder, who was said to have turned down interest from Manchester United not too long ago

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly begun talks over a move for former Manchester United target Joao Palhinha. The midfielder endured a frustrating first season at Bayern Munich, but previously shone in the Premier League with Fulham.

The 30-year-old was limited to just six league starts for the German club during an injury-hit campaign following his move worth up to £47.4million last summer. Palhinha was a standout performer during his two years at Craven Cottage and was reported to be a target for United and several other clubs during his time in West London.

Bayern eventually won the race for Palhinha’s signature, having seen a deadline day move collapse in 2023. There have been claims that United have reignited their interest in Palhinha this summer, but the midfielder could return to the Premier League with a different club after emerging as a target for Spurs.

The Independent has reported that Tottenham have started negotiations over a possible loan move for the former Sporting Lisbon star. It is claimed that Spurs held an interest in Palhinha prior to him joining Bayern.

A temporary move to Spurs could allow Palhinha to rediscover top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup and prove that Bayern boss Vincent Kompany was wrong to overlook him. Tottenham already have several midfield options but may wish to bolster their squad after gaining Champions League qualification through defeating United in the Europa League final

Palhinha has previously been resolute when it comes to deciding his future. Sky Germany stated that the ex-Fulham star made it clear he would reject any approach from United as he was determined to sign for Bayern last summer after his initial move fell through.

Fulham were claimed to have set a £60m asking price for Palhinha, who was said to be a target for United, Barcelona and Bayern. However, the uncertainty over then-United boss Erik ten Hag’s future, who would sign a contract extension only to be sacked in October, did not strengthen the club’s chances of changing Palhinha’s mind.

United’s missed opportunity could ultimately benefit Spurs if Palhinha does join Thomas Frank’s side on loan. However, the holding midfielder will want to avoid another drawn-out transfer saga, having reflected on the awkward situation he found himself in at Fulham two years ago.

“Obviously, it affected me and my family a lot, but it’s water under the bridge, I don’t want to remember too much about it,” Palhinha said of his failed move to Bayern in 2023. “It’s a great pride, you know what happened. In my life everything that has been happening – it has been for a reason, I like to think that way. The future will tell me whether what really happened was what had to happen or not.

“But only the future will show me that. I want to continue walking the journey as I’ve been doing, no one has given me anything throughout my career, everything I’ve achieved is earned, for my work. I hope that continues to be the case. I’m 28 years old, but I know I can reach higher and it’s with this ambition that I face the future.”

Spurs have already received an endorsement of Palhinha’s skillset from current England boss Thomas Tuchel, who lamented missing out on his midfield target. “I was sad because I know what he would have added to our team,” former Bayern manager Tuchel admitted.

“He was sad and disappointed. We’ll speak again about what happened. Everyone did what they had to do, but it was too late in the end.”

United ultimately signed Manuel Ugarte from Sporting in the same window that Palhinha completed his long-awaited move to Bayern. The £51m midfielder, who is a former team-mate of Palhinha’s, made 45 appearances in his first year at United and has since been reunited with ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Spurs enjoyed a 1-0 pre-season win over local rivals Arsenal at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Thursday, with midfielder Pape Matar Sarr scoring the game’s only goal. The club have brought in Mohammed Kudus for £55m and sealed permanent moves for former loanees Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel, as well as signing several young prospects so far this summer.

Marcus Rashford suffered the ultimate humiliation on his Barcelona debut - something former midfielder Hossam Ghaly knows all too well after it ended his Tottenham Hotspur career

Marcus Rashford endured one of the most embarrassing moments a professional footballer can face on Sunday.

The Manchester United forward secured his dream loan move to Barcelona last week as he looks to revive his faltering career. The deal, which was completed in time for Rashford to travel to Japan alongside the rest of the Barcelona squad, provides the La Liga champions with an option to purchase him for £26million next summer.

Rashford's first pre-season appearance came against Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he began the match on the substitutes' bench. Hansi Flick introduced the 27-year-old for his eagerly-awaited debut at the half-time break, with Rashford displaying flashes of quality and commitment to his defensive duties in his new Blaugrana colours.

However, he was quickly brought back down to earth as manager Flick withdrew him after just 33 minutes, right after he had played a key role in Barcelona's second goal. Rashford and left-back Jofre Torrents were replaced by Gerard Martin and Pedro Fernandez, with the latter going on to score Barca's third.

While the substitution would have wounded Rashford's pride, Flick explained that his decision wasn't performance-based, saying: "Rashford hasn't played that much, and we also wanted to give Gerard Martin 15 minutes because he was playing after his injury."

Only seven days earlier, Rashford had been amongst United's 'bomb squad' – a group of players training in isolation and permitted to use the club's Carrington training facility only after the first-team squad had gone home.

One player who understands how Rashford would have felt this weekend is former Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly. Ghaly joined Spurs in 2006 and was used sporadically by then-manager Martin Jol throughout the 2006/07 campaign.

After being in and out of the team, the Egyptian was introduced against Blackburn Rovers during the first half of the penultimate Premier League game of the season, after Steed Malbranque suffered an injury. But similarly to Rashford, he found himself taken off just 31 minutes into his entrance – only his substitution was due to a poor performance.

In contrast to Rashford, however, Ghaly reacted in the worst manner possible, angrily hurling his shirt onto the floor while leaving the field. The gesture angered the Spurs supporters as boos and chants of "You're not fit to wear the shirt" echoed around the ground.

Ghaly faced disciplinary action from the club and was left out of the matchday squad for the final game of the season, before issuing a public apology. He said: "I am just so angry with myself. I have always considered it an honour to wear the Tottenham shirt and I never intended to show any disrespect.

"I knew things weren't happening for me out there, my play was terrible and I could hear the crowd jeering me. I was so upset at the fans' reaction. I have enjoyed playing in front of the club's supporters all season and I felt I had given my best all the time and played some decent football.

"It is always hard to accept being substituted after such a short period of time and I was upset and taken aback by the cheering. I am a player who plays with my heart.

"I know my reaction was totally wrong," he went on to say. "I have apologised to the manager and I also want to apologise to the fans. I hope they don't judge me on this incident alone. I have tried hard for the club this season."

Despite his attempts at making amends, that proved to be Ghaly's final appearance for Spurs as he was loaned out to Derby County in January 2008. He returned to north London for the 2008/09 campaign but failed to appear in a single match before leaving permanently.

Harry Redknapp contemplated introducing him during a January 2009 clash with Wigan, but the English manager thought better of it after hearing the supporters jeer Ghaly while he warmed up and prepared to come on off the bench.

Rashford will be keen to steer clear of a similar fate at Barcelona, while also hoping that Flick doesn't make a habit of exposing him to public embarrassment. The England star has endured his share of falling outs with United bosses Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim in recent times.

Latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip with updates on Kobbie Mainoo's future and Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani

Manchester United have two new signings through the door this summer and could add more players to their ranks in the near future.

Bryan Mbeumo completed a £70 million move to United last week to become the second new signing for the club this summer. The Cameroon international joins Matheus Cunha in completing a move to Old Trafford as they now prepare for the new Premier League season, which gets underway next month.

United have more than a month to go until the summer transfer window closes on September 1. Between now and then, there are likely to be plenty of rumours about who United may or may not sign before the window closes.

Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at some of the latest United transfer news and gossip that has generated headlines over the last 24 hours.

Kobbie Mainoo 'wanted'

A report in Give Me Sport has claimed that United star Kobbie Mainoo is a target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

It has been reported that Spurs have identified Mainoo as a target after missing out on signing Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.

The report claims that Tottenham will look to take advantage of Mainoo's contract situation remaining unresolved, with the midfielder's current deal running until the summer of 2027.

MEN Sport says: Mainoo is one of the most talented prospects at United and is destined for a bright future at Old Trafford. The contract uncertainty is unsurprisingly leading to speculation around his future, so United would be wise to get a new deal wrapped up as soon as possible.

Randal Kolo Muani update

United are once again being linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, United will look to provide competition to Juventus for the signing of Kolo Muani this summer.

The France international spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus, who are reportedly interested in re-signing the striker on a permanent deal this summer.

MEN Sport says: United have been linked with several strikers already this summer, and Kolo Muani is one of the players credited as a potential target in recent weeks. Only time will tell if United will make an active attempt to sign Kolo Muani, but it seems that they may find it difficult to fend off competition from Juventus.

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Sporting Lisbon are proving to be a difficult nut to crack as they try to receive the best possible price for their talisman, Viktor Gyokeres, this summer.

Arsenal's negotiations with the Portuguese club have nearly hit a dead end as Sporting president Frederico Varandas continues to push for a total deal priced at £69m. The issue from Gyokeres' side, which is currently resulting in the player effectively going on strike, is that he was under the impression he could leave for just under £60m.

Varandas has confirmed that Sporting will be launching disciplinary action against Gyokeres for failing to report for the start of pre-season. Such behaviour may feel uncommon practice, however Sporting do have precedent for dealing with clubs like this and Manchester United have already been told the formula to succeed.

Cast your minds back to the January transfer window of 2023 and Tottenham Hotspur seemed certain to be signing Pedro Porro from Sporting. All was agreed and a medical was booked in London for the full-back.

However, as The Athletic reported at the time, the deal was on the verge of being called off as Varandas made a last-minute ploy for more money by reneging on the offer that was already agreed. This unconventional move is not too far removed from what the Sporting president is doing with Gyokeres.

Eventually, Spurs were able to get their man through help from Porro who admitted he did not turn up to training on deadline day so that he could force Sporting's hand. United will hope the Swedish centre-forward is not having to resort to such tricks come the end of August if they are trying to sign him but the lessons from the Porro deal are a timely reminder for the Reds.

Sooner or later, Sporting are going to have to fold on Gyokeres. They simply cannot afford to have a player in their squad who is willing to not turn up to training until a move away is completed.

It makes no sense for Varandas to keep a player against his will and while, at the moment, he is happy to hold his line due to the lack of competitive fixtures, he will have no choice but to compromise as we edge closer to the regular season beginning. Should United want Gyokeres, they must remain patient and trust that negotiating with Sporting will become easier as the transfer window progresses.

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Manchester United have been locked in talks with Brentford over the signing of Bryan Mbeumo since June with no resolution as of yet

Manchester United could reportedly be on the verge of missing out on Bryan Mbeumo this summer after Tottenham Hotspur opened interest in his Brentford teammate Yoane Wissa.

Wissa and Mbeumo have been a formidable partnership for the Bees and with 19 and 20 goals scored respectively between them in the Premier League. The Cameroonian has drawn interest from United and they have been locked in negotiations with Brentford for his signature since last month.

MEN Sport understands that two offers have been rejected so far for Mbeumo but there is still confidence from United that they will be able to get a deal done. However, a spanner appears to have been thrown into the works on Wednesday.

Multiple reports, including from BBC Sport, claim that Thomas Frank has instructed Spurs to target Wissa this transfer window. Tottenham are currently understood to be weighing up the financials surrounding the deal.

Frank had wanted to bring Mbeumo with him to north London, but was informed the 25-year-old would be leaving for Old Trafford or not at all in the summer. This has led Tottenham to reassess their options and Wissa is thought to be keen on a move to Spurs.

Unfortunately for United, journalist Ben Jacobs understands that Brentford are only willing to let Wissa or Mbeumo leave, not both. This means that should Wissa agree terms with Spurs, the move for Mbeumo could be scuppered completely.

The good news for United is that they are clearly in a more advanced stage in their negotiations to sign Mbeumo so have the upper hand there. But, it has been claimed that Mbeumo is happy to stay at Brentford so the Reds cannot rely on the forward forcing a move from the club should the Bees decide not to sell.

It seems United are now in a position where they must come to a quick agreement with Brentford for Mbeumo or risk missing out.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

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