Manchester United and Brentford are locked in negotiations to try and hash out a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
The Red Devils are hoping to oversee a second signing in relatively quick succession following their early acquisition of Matheus Cunha, which was finalised and announced on the first day of the window.
He joins on a five-year deal, plus the option of an additional season, after United activated his £62.5 million release clause to prise him from a reluctant Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While there’s yet to be confirmation on the rumour, it’s been claimed Cunha demanded that he be awarded the No.10 shirt amid an anticipation that Marcus Rashford will be sold in the coming weeks.
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United step up pursuit of Mbeumo
Now, INEOS have set their sights on Mbeumo, who’s prioritised a move to Old Trafford this summer despite garnering interest from the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
All of the clubs would allow him to play Champions League football for the first-ever time, but he is adamant about joining Ruben Amorim’s ranks.
Mbeumo is on the back of a career-best campaign in 2024/2025, having netted 20 goals and contributed eight assists in 38 matches. He started every single game of the term, which will have undoubtedly added to the list of reasons United want him on board.
The ever-reliable David Ornstein confirmed on Wednesday night that United’s initial transfer proposal was a package worth £55m – £45m upfront plus £10m in add-ons. However, it’s been deemed ‘some way below’ Brentford’s valuation, with the West London outfit keen to get their money’s worth from their talisman’s exit if they’re made to sell.
Talks are ongoing between the sides, and the forward is pushing for an agreement to come to fruition.
Reds suffer early blow in transfer window
Elsewhere, United missed out on the signing of first-choice No.9 target Liam Delap.
He completed his switch to Chelsea after they forked out his £30m buyout clause, having rebuffed approaches from United, Everton and Nottingham Forest. The general expectation throughout the season was that he’d be departing Ipswich Town come the summer, and European football was essential in his eyes when considering his suitors.
They remain firm admirers of ex-Amorim protégé Viktor Gyokeres, along with Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko, the latter of whom is seemingly closing in on a move to Arsenal.
