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Thomas Frank makes Bryan Mbeumo stance clear after Manchester United bid rejected

Manchester United have seen an opening bid for Bryan Mbeumo rejected by Brentford as the Bees hold out for a premium price for the winger

Manchester United are keen to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford

Manchester United are keen to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford

(Image: Lee Parker - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Manchester United's initial offer for Bryan Mbeumo has been turned down by Brentford, who have stated that the bid falls significantly short of their transfer valuation. Despite interest from Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham, the 25 year old attacker is keen on a move to Old Trafford.

United's bid, which was worth an initial £45million plus £10m in add-ons, taking the total package to £55m, was firmly rejected.

Brentford, however, are determined to secure the best deal possible and have informed both United and the player's camp that they believe Mbeumo is worth the same kind of money that United recently paid Wolves for Matheus Cunha.

The Europa League runners-up have already finalised the signing of the Brazil international after activating his £62.5m release clause.

Meanwhile, Mbeumo technically only has one year remaining on his current contract at the Gtech Stadium but the Bees do hold a 12-month extension option which they can activate to protect the winger's value.

Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Brentford FC at Molineux

Brentford are valuing Bryan Mbeumo at the same price as Matheus Cunha

Thomas Frank's star player scored 20 goals in the Premier League last season and also registered seven top-flight assists. Only Mohamed Salah (47) and Alexander Isak (29) managed more goal contributions in the Premier League.

United are keen on making Mbeumo a cornerstone of their revamped attack, confidently pursuing the Brentford star alongside Cunha. Last week, Bees' gaffer Thomas Frank made it abundantly clear that their leading scorer wouldn't be sold for a song, as they're in no rush to offload him at a bargain price.

Talking to Danish paper Tipsbladet, Frank declared: "It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. 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."

Frank also acknowledged the expected flood of interest towards Mbeumo, hinting that United's proactive move would have hardly caused a stir in the capital.

He continued: "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."

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