Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after he reportedly opted for Old Trafford as his preferred summer destination. At the end of May, Chronicle Live claimed that Mbeumo wanted to join a Champions League club, which was believed to have handed Newcastle United the advantage.
So Mbeumo’s supposed U-turn sparked quite a shock as Eddie Howe looks to prepare his squad for a return to Europe’s premier competition. United were unsuccessful with their first bid, worth an initial £45million plus £10m in add-ons, as Brentford demand a fee similar to the £62.5m paid for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.
However, a follow-up approach is considered imminent, and all the signs point towards Mbeumo becoming a Red Devils player in the coming weeks – or potentially days.
It could’ve been a different story, though. United weren’t the only Premier League giants in the race for the 25-year-old’s signature.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur joined Newcastle in being named as Mbeumo’s suitors before he decided his future was in Manchester.
All three clubs can offer Champions League football next season.
Arsenal and Newcastle finished in the Premier League’s top five, while Spurs beat United in the Europa League final to book their spot.
As a result, the M16 giants have no European football on offer whatsoever after ending the season in a record-low 15th.
Yet, Mbeumo’s hand suggests their pulling power remains. Or does it?
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle’s recruitment team identified the Cameroon international as their leading transfer target weeks ago.
The Magpies’ top decision-makers were said to universally admire Mbeumo before missing out to United.
However, the report adds that Mbeumo’s wage demands and Brentford’s price tag of more than £60m were deemed too expensive.
It’s claimed that Newcastle subsequently calmed their interest before the productive winger switched his focus towards Old Trafford.
It could be argued that Mbeumo is worth Brentford’s asking price after plundering 20 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad were United’s joint-top goalscorers with eight each, emphasising the impact Ruben Amorim will hope Mbeumo can have.
Cunha was similarly as prolific, scoring 15 goals and registering six assists for Wolves. His ball-carrying ability and confidence in front of goal should make him an ideal fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Mbeumo can play centrally as well as on the right of United’s front three. Both attackers will be crucial in the M16 giants’ attempts to return to Europe.
