Manchester United have reportedly stepped up efforts to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo this summer after making an ‘improved’ third bid for the services of the Cameroon international.
The Red Devils opened talks with Brentford over one month ago but negotiations have since stalled after the Bees reportedly knocked back two prior attempts by the Old Trafford giants due to a slight difference in the player’s valuation by both parties.
Earlier this week, The Guardian reported that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new sporting director Jason Wilcox believed at the end of June that a £65 million package would seal the deal. Brentford had even “indicated privately” that a medical was “expected imminently.”
The report added that Ratcliffe is “determined not to bow to pressure” to pay more than £65 million. Both he and Wilcox, who took over the role vacated by Dan Ashworth last December after initially joining as technical director, are eager to avoid being “held to ransom” and prefer to take a “patient” approach.
Brentford’s £70 million valuation of Mbeumo left Man United’s stance on pursuing the 26-year-old forward unclear. But that has now changed after news of an improved third offer broke on Thursday afternoon.
According to The Athletic, the new proposal is worth £70 million in total, comprising £65 million guaranteed and an additional £5 million in add-ons. The Red Devils now await Brentford’s response.
Manchester United are pushing to land Mbeumo before they head to the United States for their pre-season tour next week, with their first summer friendly set for this weekend when they will face newly-promoted Leeds United in Sweden.
For his part, Mbeumo has already made his preference for a switch to Old Trafford very clear to Brentford. The Cameroonian forward will be hoping this latest bid by United is enough to convince his current employers to do business.
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