Manchester United fans have received dire news on Friday afternoon, as Tottenham have reportedly opened talks with Bryan Mbeumo.
The Red Devils have identified the 25-year-old as their primary target to bolster the two attacking-midfielder spots behind the striker, alongside Matheus Cunha who has already been unveiled as a new United player on Thursday.
INEOS have been negotiating a deal with Brentford over the past week or so, but have been unable to find an agreement with their Premier League counterparts.
Man Utd initially offered £45m plus £10m, but the Bees turned down the initial bid, as it fell well below their asking price of £70 million. Fabrizio Romano predicted a compromise that would see Mbeumo join United on a deal worth £60-65m.
Man United keen to land Bryan Mbeumo
But while United were initially biding their time, feeling they have a clear upper hand in the race for the 25-year-old who had already rejected proposals from Arsenal and Newcastle, an unforeseen twist has taken them by surprise.
Earlier this week, Thomas Frank left his role as Brentford head coach to replace Ange Postecoglou at Arsenal.
When the news first broke out, many United fans feared that the Dane could sway Mbeumo to North London when they can rekindle their partnership at a club that offers the winger the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.
These concerns have been confirmed by Sky Sports who are now reporting ongoing talks between Spurs and Brentford for the Cameroonian star.
The source adds that Mbeumo is ‘intrigued’ by the prospect of joining Frank at Tottenham, which could prove to be a turning point in this transfer saga.
Earlier on Friday, it was reported that United are still ‘optimistic’ about their chances of signing Mbeumo despite the Spurs concern, so one would wonder whether this latest development has shattered the confidence at Carrington.
