Manchester United are ready to meet Bryan Mbeumo's hefty wage demands, provided they can agree on a transfer fee with Brentford - who have rejected the Red Devils' initial offer. The Bees are holding out for £60million and have dismissed the opening bid which totalled £55m - £45m of this was upfront with additional bonuses. However, one matter that has been settled is United's readiness to meet Mbeumo's salary expectations.
Old Trafford officials are willing to shell out a substantial wage to bring the Cameroon international to the club - a deal that would see the player earn £250,000 a week - five times his current weekly wage of £50k. Despite past mistakes in agreeing to pay players exorbitant salaries, United appear undeterred. Interest in Mbeumo follows his most successful season yet. He featured in every Premier League match, contributing 20 goals and seven assists - and Brentford believe now is the right time to cash in at the right price.
With only 12 months remaining on his contract, the Bees stand to make a significant profit on a player they signed during their Championship days.
However, the west London side seem prepared to stand firm as they insist on their £60m valuation. This leaves United with a decision to make if they wish to secure Mbeumo. They've already splashed out £62.5m on Matheus Cunha but remain committed to strengthening their frontline.
Manchester clubs have been on the hunt for fresh talent, and despite narrowly missing out on Liam Delap, who opted for Chelsea instead, they remain active in the transfer market. Mbeumo's abilities seem an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation at Old Trafford, with the manager keen to bolster his squad.
Newcastle's interest in Brentford's Mbeumo is no secret, yet Manchester has stepped up efforts to clinch a deal, knowing Brentford's openness to parting with their stars for a fair price, as evidenced by Ivan Toney's move last summer.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank acknowledged the attention surrounding Mbeumo, admitting a move could be on the cards for the right amount. He stated: "I can definitely understand the interest in him. There should be interest in him. He is at his best age, he has scored 20 goals. I would like to keep him, but we are a selling club so if someone comes in with the right price."