Manchester United are preparing a revised bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo after their opening offer of £55million was rejected.
Brentford are pushing for more than £60m and United’s opening bid was £45m plus £10m in bonuses.
Mbeumo is seen as a key target for United, who are looking to improve their lacklustre squad after a dreadful campaign.
The Red Devils scored just 44 goals in the Premier League, the second lowest of any non-relegated side.
The 25-year-old, who sees his contract expire next year – although Brentford have an option to extend it by 12 months, could become United’s second signing of the summer behind the £62.5million Matheus Cunha.
United missed out on an estimated £100m windfall after failing to secure Champions League qualification with their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
United are preparing a revised bid for Brentford’s Mbeumo after their £55m offer was rejected
Brentford are pushing for more than £60m and United’s opening offer was £45m plus £10m
Man United could have extra funds to spend in the window if academy star Garnacho departs
But the likely sale of academy players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho would represent pure Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) profit, and could allow them to spend more heavily in the window.
Brentford value Mbeumo in excess of £60m and the Cameroon international is keen to move to Old Trafford if a deal can be agreed.
Thomas Frank admitted that Brentford, who finished five places ahead of United in the Premier League, would sell their forward if the correct offer came in.
He said: ‘If he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. 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.
‘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.
Mbeumo enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring 20 goals and providing eight assists for the Bees, while playing every minute of the Premier League season.
Forward Mbeumo is being targeted as part of Ruben Amorim’s summer rebuild at Old Trafford
Mbeumo would become United’s second signing of the summer after Matheus Cunha’s arrival
Manager Thomas Frank has admitted that Bryan Mbeumo could leave if a suitable offer arrives
Mail Sport reported on Monday how United were set to open official talks with the Bees over the 25-year-old after Mbeumo indicated his desire to move to Old Trafford.
Newcastle United, Tottenham and Arsenal had all made contact with Mbeumo, but he told United he wants to join them and be part of Ruben Amorim’s rebuild this summer.
United are ready to sell to help fund their reshaping of Amorim’s failing squad.
They are keen to offload exiled stars Rashford and Jadon Sancho this summer, two of their highest earners who are both on around £300,000-a-week.
If they are successful in doing so, that would free up significant space in the wage bill, yet if Mbeumo’s demands were met, it would make him one of United’s highest earners.
Mbeumo currently earns around £50,000-a-week, according to The Times, but wants his wages to increase five fold if the move is completed.
Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony, Andre Onana are also likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Mbeumo has enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 20 Premier League goals to finish in tenth
Mbeumo represented France at youth level but has made 18 senior appearances for Cameroon
While Hojlund could be allowed to leave for a cut-price fee.
Mbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019 and has since scored 70 goals and provided 51 assists.
He helped Frank’s side gain promotion in 2021 and made the step up with ease – becoming one of the latest in a long line of success stories for Brentford’s recruitment team.
Mbeumo represented France at youth level but has made 18 international appearance for Cameroon, scoring four goals.
