Manchester United transfer news as Brentford plan for life without Bryan Mbeumo as bid made to hand United free path
Josh is a Senior Football Writer for Reach PLC's Central Audience Team. Having previously spent over a year at football.london as a trends writer, Josh has experience covering Leicester City for the Leicester Mercury. You can find Josh's work across Reach PLC sides such as Manchester Evening News, football.london, Liverpool Echo, LeedsLive and many more.
Bryan Mbeumo
Manchester United are dragging their heels on signing Bryan Mbeumo
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United had looked like they were acting smartly in the transfer window when they announced the signing of Matheus Cunha at the start of June. The Brazilian became United's first signing on June 12 to kickstart their business.
But 34 days on from Cunha's £62.5million release clause being triggered and Ruben Amorim sealing a move for his priority target, United have been everything but smart in their business.
Two bids for Bryan Mbeumo have been turned down by Brentford in the space of the last four weeks. A fee worth £55m was denied by the Premier League club before a new and improved offer of £60m then fell short.
It's believed that Brentford are holding out for close to £65m, though reports have stated this week that the gap between the two clubs' valuation remains considerable.
In the time that United have attempted to sign Mbeumo, alternatives seemed to have been limited. It's been rather unusual how quiet talk has been on other attack-minded targets linked with a move to United, almost leaving them in an All or Nothing position regarding Mbeumo.
There is still optimism that the 25-year-old will join United but time is running out to have Mbeumo part of the pre-season tour to the United States. However, unlike the Reds and their transfer business, Brentford are planning ahead.
The Bees completed the signing of Antoni Milambo at the start of this month from Feyenoord to bolster Keith Andrew's squad. Now, they are seemingly pursuing a move for a winger who could be their Mbeumo replacement.
Omari Hutchinson
Omari Hutchinson could join Brentford to replace Bryan Mbeumo
Ipswich Town's Omari Hutchinson is the subject of interest from Brentford and following their relegation from the Premier League, is expected to be one of the players sold. Now, the Daily Mail has reported that an offer of £35m has been made for the former Chelsea star to activate his release clause.
It had been reported that there was a deadline of 5pm on Tuesday July 15 to activate Hutchinson's release clause. It remains to be seen whether the bid was submitted in time but it does offer encouragement for Brentford to sign the forward.
Like Mbeumo, Hutchinson is a left-footed winger and would be the perfect fit to replace the Cameroonian international. It's now over to United to reach an agreement with Brentford to finally get the deal over the line.
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