Brentford may ask for a higher fee for Bryan Mbeumo after claims that he has decided to join Manchester United.
The Premier League club have had no contact with United over Mbeumo and have, as yet, not even quoted a transfer value to potential suitors for the 25-year-old forward.
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There is therefore irritation at Brentford as to how the potential deal is now apparently being played out in public. One source said it would “all look a bit silly” for United if a fee was not agreed after the latest reports.
Mbeumo has one year left on his contract at Brentford, although it includes an option for the club to extend for a further 12 months.
Thomas Frank, the head coach, has already spoken about the possibility of the France-born Cameroon international leaving this summer – but later qualified this by saying it would take “a nice, nice amount, it is a lot” to sign Mbeumo.
Despite his apparent desire to join United, Brentford also know there are other clubs interested in Mbeumo. That includes Newcastle United, who have been scouting him for several years and can offer Champions League football.
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There is a belief that it would cost about £60 million to sign Mbeumo, which might be too much for Newcastle. Brentford are known as tough negotiators when it comes to player sales, and there is no release clause in his contract.
Last season was Mbeumo’s most productive since joining from French club Troyes in 2019, with 20 league goals and seven assists as he stepped up following the sale of Ivan Toney and helped lead Brentford to a 10th-place finish.
Brentford's Yoane Wissa celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal during the Premier League match against Manchester United
Yoane Wissa will be staying put in the event Mbeumo leaves Brentford this summer - CameraSport via Getty Images/Andrew Kearns
Part of his attraction, beyond his goals return, is his versatility, as Mbeumo can play anywhere across the forward line. If Brentford do eventually sell Mbeumo, they will not allow another forward, Yoane Wissa, to leave, even though they expect offers for the 28-year-old Frenchman.
Meanwhile, sources close to Aleksandar Mitrovic have ruled out reports that he could leave Al-Hilal and join United, either permanently or on loan, this summer. They insist the Serbia striker will remain with the Saudi Pro League club, who are trying to sign United captain Bruno Fernandes in time for this month’s Club World Cup. A decision is expected this week.