Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has his sights set on a dream move to Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
The Cameroonian ace, who notched an impressive 20 goals in the Premier League last season, is reportedly keen on making the switch to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils poised to commence negotiations with the Bees for the 25 year old's signature.
Mbeumo has been a pivotal figure for Thomas Frank's squad and has caught the eye of several top-flight clubs. Despite interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, it's understood that Mbeumo's preference lies with United, as per reports from the Athletic.
With just a year remaining on his contract at the west London club, albeit with an option for a further year, Brentford is expected to command a hefty fee, rumored to be in the region of $68 million (£50 million). Frank has made no secret of the fact that any departure for Mbeumo won't come cheaply.
"It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot," the Brentford manager stated. "Then it is clear that it is impossible to replace him one for one. It cannot be done. I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don't look at him.
United shifted its focus to Mbeumo after failing to secure Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, who has chosen to join Chelsea instead.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring
Manchester United has turned its attention to Bryan Mbeumo (Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)
A key factor in his decision is believed to be the chance to participate in Champions League football, something United can't provide after finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final. This was expected to make transfers more challenging.
However, despite interest from teams participating in Europe's premier competition, Mbeumo has selected United as his preferred club. With the recent signing of Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils may still retain some of their old charm as they strive to bolster Ruben Amorim's squad.
Earlier this year, Jamie Carragher suggested Mbeumo could be the perfect long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, before he signed a new contract.
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"You feel with Brentford signings or Brighton because they're ahead of the game, everyone is always a little bit, 'What do they know that we missed?'" the ex-Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.
I think of my old club with the situation regarding Mohamed Salah, a left-footed player on the right side, who can fit the bill? "He [Mbeumo] is someone whose name that always crops up because of his ability and the club he is at.
"The things they look at are probably similar to Liverpool. (I'm a) Huge fan of his, huge problem and he has caused Liverpool huge problems in the past."