Manchester United have been given a firm message regarding their pursuit of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, pay the full asking price or forget about securing his signature during the ongoing summer transfer window.
Mbeumo has emerged as a top attacking target for United as the club looks to bolster its forward line ahead of the new campaign.
However, progress has been slow, with Brentford already turning down two offers from the Red Devils, the latest bid reportedly valued around £62.5 million, inclusive of substantial add-ons.
Despite the setback, United are still weighing their next move. Brentford’s director of football, Phil Giles, has now shed light on Mbeumo’s situation, making it clear that the club will not entertain any undervalued offers.
“There’s significant interest in Bryan,” Giles told Sky Sports (via Mirror). “I think it’s been well publicised and spoken about, his preference. I think from what I understand he’s also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well.
“Let’s see on that. I think our position is that he had an unbelievable season last season, we expected interest in him. If that deal’s right, there’s a deal to do, if not then he stays.
“We’ve spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It’s not a given that he’s going to depart this summer. There is interest. He had a great season last season so it’s inevitable there’s going to be interest in him.
“If we get the right offer, there’s potentially a deal to be done but there’s only so much we can say on that.”
Though Tottenham Hotspur initially showed interest in the Cameroon international, they have now reportedly pulled out of the race.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank, Mbeumo’s former manager, had been eager to reunite with the forward in North London, but the player is said to prefer a move to Old Trafford.
In a related development, Giles also provided insight into the future of Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, amid reports linking him with a move to Arsenal.
“Arsenal approached us in the last two weeks about Christian regularly with Andrea Berta,” he added.
“I think it’s fair to say it’s more likely to happen than not. We have to go through the full process, tick all the boxes and then we’ll see at the end of it.
“He’s been a fantastic player than us, unbelievable. I’m actually happy for him with the opportunity at this stage, 31, at this stage of his career to have an opportunity to go and try win some trophies.
“It isn’t done yet but we’re aware that if and when he does depart, we have a leadership void to try and fill. Also thinking about Ben Mee who also left this summer and Mark Flekken who’s an experienced goalkeeper.
“We’re aware of the squad and the blend of experiences we have in the squad and we’ll look to cover it.”
United are expected to revisit their offer for Mbeumo in the coming days, but unless they match Brentford’s valuation, the Bees are prepared to keep hold of their prized asset.
