Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo risks dragging through the summer.
Manchester United looked set to sign Mbeumo from Brentford once it was reported that the 25-year-old had chosen Old Trafford as his next destination just days into the initial summer transfer window.
But over a week on and a deal is still yet to be agreed with Brentford knocking Man United’s initial proposal of £45million plus £10million in add-ons back.
According to Sky Sports, Brentford value Mbuemo in excess of £60million but remain in negotiations with Manchester United over a potential move. But the lack of an agreement, paired with interest from elsewhere and the temporary closure of the summer transfer window, the transfer hangs in the balance.
Newcastle United listed Mbeumo as a top attacking target heading into the summer while Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest, particularly as they close in on the appointment of Brentford boss Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement as manager.
Manchester United blocked from completing Bryan Mbeumo transfer - for now
Now the initial summer transfer window has passed, Manchester United will not be able to complete a move for Mbeumo until the window reopens on June 16. That gives the likes of Newcastle and Spurs extra time to plot a potential transfer hijack.
Unlike Manchester United, Newcastle and Spurs can offer Champions League football as an incentive this coming season.
Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League via the European Performance Spot rule while Spurs qualified after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final last month.
Meanwhile, Spurs will be hoping the appointment of Frank as manager could help them hijack a potential move for Mbeumo, who has played under the Dane at Brentford since he arrived in England in 2019.
Newcastle United look at Bryan Mbeumo alternatives
Although Newcastle have cooled their interest in Mbeumo and have not made a formal approach for the winger, they have enquired about Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
The 23-year-old was targeted by The Magpies last summer but a deal did not materialise. Elanga is international teammates with Newcastle’s Swedish duo Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth while he also has a good relationship with forward William Osula.
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A move for Elanga won’t come cheap with Forest keen to keep hold of the former Manchester United youngster. Elanga arrived at the City Ground from Man United for £15million in 2023.
Last summer, Newcastle were claimed to have made a £35million deadline day move for Elanga, but those claims were refuted by senior club sources.
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