Manchester United have not given up hope of signing Bryan Mbeumo before the start of pre-season training.
Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo emerged as Manchester United top target following the arrival of Matheus Cunha on the first day of the summer window.
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United have had two bids for Mbeumo rejected already by the London side, with the most recent offer worth a total of £62.5 million – a fee that matches the price of Cunha.
Despite United’s optimism that the second offer was enough, Brentford changed their valuation of Mbeumo and are now demanding up to £70 million for the 25-year-old forward.
Fabrizio Romano claims United are preparing an improved Mbeumo bid, but Ineos are running on a strict timeline.
Bryan Mbeumo third bid incoming as Man United set deadline
Mbeumo’s new £70m asking price will frustrate Ineos after they were initially told that a £60m bid would be enough to finalise a deal.
With huge pressure on Amorim to hit the ground running in 2025/26, United wanted their signings done before the start of pre-season training on July 7.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey spoke exclusively to HITC Football about United’s desire to get the Mbeumo deal done quickly.
“United wanted Mbeumo done by the start of pre-season, that remains the case,” Bailey said.
“Omar Berrada and his team are working hard – the footballing department has done their part with pin-pointing him and getting the player to want to come to Old Trafford.
“Now the finances are moving and expectation from Brentford’s end is that a third bid is incoming, following extensive talks this week.
Should Man United walk away from Bryan Mbeumo deal?
Since the Ineos takeover, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been eager to stop United overpaying in the transfer window after a decade of poor recruitment.
With Brentford continuing to increase their asking price, a report from GiveMeSport suggests United will consider walking away if their third bid is rejected.
However, Bailey is not so sure: “I am not sure United walk away from this, even if the third bid is not accepted. But there is always that chance in football.
“I do know that Mbeumo and his camp have made it completely clear to Brentford they want this done before pre-season to avoid the situation that he might have to return to West London – they don’t want that and I’m not convinced Brentford do either.”
Mbeumo has been pushing to join United, and hopefully his desire to move to Old Trafford encourages Brentford to accept the third bid.
In a recent interview, Brentford director Phil Giles claimed Mbeumo is “happy to stay” if a move to United collapses, but there is no doubt the player will be pushing behind the scenes.
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