The latest Man Utd transfer news as Ruben Amorim continues to target Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
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Bryan Mbeumo in action for Brentford.
Manchester United are attempting to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
First it was Liam Delap, now another Manchester United summer transfer plan could quickly unravel owing to a Premier League rival, at least according to reports.
United started this summer strongly with the acquisition of primary target Matheus Cunha from Wolves, but with attention still on further attacking reinforcements. Delap, following his impressive campaign at Ipswich Town, was the priority, but Chelsea came in and made sure that deal became impossible.
Then it would emerge that Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, scorer of 20 goals last season, was next on their list as he made clear that Old Trafford was his preferred destination.
However, rapidly evolving circumstances may just cause a 180 degree pivot from the attacker himself, once again leaving Ruben Amorim's side in the lurch.
According to Sky Sports, rivals Tottenham Hotspur "have made first contact" with Brentford about the Cameroon international's signing.
Mbeumo is described as "more than intrigued" about the opportunity the north London club has to offer now that Thomas Frank - his mentor of six years at Brentford - has been confirmed as Spurs' new manager.
That could spell bad news at Old Trafford, too, after The Manchester Evening News reported that the forward had maintained focus on his preference to sign for United while Frank's move was ongoing.
A £45million bid, plus £10million in add-ons, was rejected by the Bees in that time, as well, with United warned by Frank beforehand that the 25-year-old was going to come at a high price.
Nevertheless, discussions are ongoing to make Mbeumo a United player, while the club feel reassured that it is his preference over any other club.
Spurs, even with the personal connection of Frank as their so-called advantage, still have some catching up to do, as things stand.
Naturally, it would be negative to miss out on a player of Mbeumo's quality, but United wouldn't be afforded time to dwell if that became reality. Instead, they would have to find alternative attacking targets.
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is a name persistently mentioned in reports - as Amorim's former player - despite his current club's seeming reluctance to sell and the £68million fee they have been demanding. Also, most recently talk of a move to Arsenal has revived.
Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is another who has emerged in reports this week with it said United have been in contact to establish their place in another battle with Chelsea, plus Liverpool, or so it is said.
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