Manchester United are preparing for a financial test of nerve after their hopes of winning the race for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap have faded.
It will mean finding new solutions and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is coming firmly into the frame, as we reported this week he would do.
It had been felt the Cameroon international was seen as a player who could come into sharper focus if Delap decided to go elsewhere. With signs now pointing towards Chelsea as the frontman's likely destination, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is closer to turning to his alternatives.
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Bryan Mbeumo celebrating after scoring for Brentford
The key issue is the price difference between the players. Delap was available for around £30million, but Brentford are valuing Mbeumo at closer to £60million. That is a significant jump, and one that puts the onus on Manchester United to decide just how much they want the player.
Mbeumo is aware of the interest from Old Trafford but is not yet far enough along in talks to have a clear idea of what the Red Devils' plan for him would be. That leaves the door ajar for other clubs - and Newcastle United have already made their move.
Sources have told GIVEMESPORT that the wide forward has been sounded out about Newcastle’s long-term vision for him at St James' Park, and there has been a positive response. He is understood to be open to the idea, especially with Champions League football on offer.
However, the Magpies are not convinced £60million is a sensible amount to spend. They like the player, but feel Brentford’s valuation is slightly on the high side, so it remains to be seen how they approach a formal bid.
Manchester United, for their part, are not ruling out matching the asking price. There is a belief that they would be prepared to go that high if it meant getting ahead of their rivals in the queue. But it is also clear they would need to line up a significant outgoing transfer in order to make that kind of spend possible.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keeping a watching brief. They have not made a move at this stage but have not been completely ruled out. Both Manchester United and Newcastle are also actively working on other forward targets in case their primary options slip away.
Mbeumo - who has been described as 'insane' - is under serious consideration, but this is not a one-horse race. If Delap ends up at Stamford Bridge, as expected, the next couple of weeks should become lively.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 29/05/2025
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