Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly launched a £70m bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, directly challenging Premier League rivals Manchester United for the attacker's signature.
The future of the 25-year-old has come into question as the summer transfer window opened, which was to be expected following his 20-goal haul in the Premier League last term.
Mbeumo had given United encouragement to make him their next recruit before his boss of six years at the Bees, Thomas Frank, moved to Spurs to replace Ange Postecoglou.
Now The Mirror are reporting that a first official step has been made towards reuniting player and manager with Spurs technical director Johan Lange offering up £65m plus £5m in add-ons to land the Cameroon international. It comes only hours after claims of first contact being made.
This alleged offer blows the one made by Old Trafford chiefs out of the water. Our sister title The Manchester Evening News say that rejected sum was £45m up front with £10m in add-ons.
In their hijack attempt, Spurs have the bonus of now possessing that personal connection to Mbeumo in the form of their new boss.
Before the summer whilst still in his old post, Frank had warned rivals that Mbeumo was 'going to be expensive', without revealing the exact fee Brentford are demanding.
It is claimed that Mbeumo still prefers a move to United but his connection with Frank is evidently strong is the new Spurs boss is intent on making the Cameroon international his first signing in the new job.
Especially after the 51-year-old vocalised his wish to continue working with the winger, before any of the latest developments came to light.
"I'm the head coach [of Brentford]. I want my best players to stay forever," the now-Spurs manager told Sky Sports.
"I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, doing well and playing fantastic. What happens in the future? I don't know.
"I've said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time, we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world that aren't selling clubs.
"But I'm very happy he's here, and I'm convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here."
Should the bid fail, it has been reported that Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo will be another Premier League winger the club look towards to strengthen.
Thomas Frank is Spurs' new head coach! But what job does he have on his hands? Click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham discussing Frank's task ahead! Or click here to watch on YouTube!
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