Manchester United are reportedly in pole position to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Mbeumo has privately made it clear that his preference is to join United, but this hasn't deterred Spurs, who recently appointed Thomas Frank as their new coach.
Frank previously managed Mbeumo at Brentford for six years and with Spurs having secured a spot in the Champions League after a five-year hiatus, they have an attractive proposition to offer. Despite Spurs being prepared to potentially offer Mbeumo a higher salary, United are still considered the favourites due to the player's desire to join the club. United's initial bid of £45million plus £10m in add-ons was turned down earlier this month.
The Manchester Evening News claim that Mbeumo has told his close confidants that he remains set on a move to United, despite interest from Spurs, and only wants to head to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old Mbeumo, who netted an impressive 20 goals in 38 Premier League starts for Brentford last season, is seen as one of three attacking targets for United, which recently signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
United are also looking to bring in a striker following their worst goal-scoring season in 35 years, a move that was delayed after top target Liam Delap chose to join Chelsea instead.
Mbeumo could be utilised up front, as one of the two playmakers or on the right wing in United coach Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system. Last season, Mbeumo primarily played on the right wing, a position that has been problematic for United for over a decade.
Mbeumo, who was spotted at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, admitted to Sky Sports that he "accepts" the transfer rumours. "It is a bit new for me, I would say! I think it can be the life of a footballer and you need to accept it.
"He (Frank)'s done so much for me. He literally trusted me from the start. I think he developed the team so well. He developed me as a human and a player as well.
"So I can only wish him all the best, and I'm sure he's going to do well."