Manchester United have finally reached an agreement with Brentford for the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo, ending a six-week-long pursuit of the club’s priority target. The Athletic report that United have struck a deal worth up to £71million, made up of a guaranteed £65m fee with a maximum of £6m in potential add-ons.
Brentford are said to have accepted the initial fee in four instalments, potentially leaving room in Ruben Amorim’s transfer budget for further business. United will also send Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m to Wolves in multiple instalments as part of careful efforts to manage a restricted kitty.
The report adds that Mbeumo’s dream switch to Old Trafford is in the process of being finalised after the successful third proposal.
Brentford rejected United’s first two approaches, which were worth £45million plus £10m in add-ons and £55m with £7.5m in bonuses.
The Bees were believed to want a higher fee than the £62.5m paid for Cunha at the start of the summer transfer window.
United have likely agreed to pay a higher total package in order to structure the deal in instalments, offering scope for continued activity ahead of the new season.
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Amorim reportedly also wants a new striker, midfielder, wing-back and potentially a goalkeeper, too, after Andre Onana’s pre-season hamstring injury.
According to talkSPORT, United have stepped up their interest in Royal Antwerp stopper Senne Lammens, who could be available for around £17m.
Amorim undoubtedly requires player sales to address the remaining issues in his squad, though, with five stars being pushed towards the exit door.
Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are training away from the Portuguese head coach’s main group as they explore exits.
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None will travel to Stockholm on Friday for the club’s first pre-season fixture against Leeds United.
They will also be absent from Tuesday’s flight to the tour of the United States, where they are due to face West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton.
Mbeumo will be, and he is expected to undergo his medical this weekend ahead of signing a five-year contract with the option of a further year.
He is set to become United’s third signing of the summer after Cunha and Cerro Porteno left-back Diego Leon.