Manchester United and Newcastle are among the clubs chasing 20-goal Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo ahead of the summer transfer window
Bryan Mbeumo
Man Utd and Newcastle are both eyeing Bryan Mbeumo(Image: Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has warned Manchester United that Bryan Mbeumo will cost "a lot" of money this summer. The Cameroon international was one of the Premier League's most-potent attackers this season, notching up 20 goals and seven assists for the Bees.
However, Brentford have reluctantly accepted that after nearly six years in west London, Mbeumo could now be set to depart the club and move onto pastures new.
United and Newcastle are eyeing the 25-year-old but Frank insists the Bees won't rollover during transfer negotiations.
The Dane told Tipsbladet: “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.
“Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. There is a reason why he costs x number of million pounds, and we do not have x number of million pounds to buy for."
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When asked to shed light on the extent of potential interest, Frank added: “I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don’t look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.
"How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”
Between Mbeumo and fellow forward Yoane Wissa, the pair hit 39 goals in the Premier League this term despite losing Ivan Toney to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli last summer.
Thomas Frank and Bryan Mbeumo
Thomas Frank does not expect Brentford to sell Bryan Mbeumo on the cheap
Mbeumo has just over one year left to run on his current contract but Brentford do have a one-year extension option which the club can activate. United are in the market for attacking reinforcements for Ruben Amorim but they're operating with limited finances after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. They've now activated Matheus Cunha's release clause, worth £62.5million, so their spending power will now be dictated by player sales.
Newcastle have long been chasing Mbeumo and he has been on their radar for some time while Arsenal had previously looked at the highly-rated winger.
Speaking towards the end of the season, Frank admitted that Brentford remain a selling club and pinpointed that unfortunately, they would struggle to keep hold of their best players moving forward.
The Bees narrowly missed out on UEFA Conference League football but they did secure their second top-half finish in three seasons, ending up in 10th spot.
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