Brentford are reportedly cranking up the pressure on Manchester United to meet their £60 million valuation for winger Bryan Mbeumo — and they’re doing so by involving Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer tug-of-war.

The West London club have allegedly opened discussions with Spurs regarding the potential sale of their prized asset, a move that could force United’s hand in what has become a high-stakes pursuit. Spurs’ newly appointed head coach, Thomas Frank, who enjoyed a long and fruitful working relationship with Mbeumo during their six years together at Brentford, is hoping to use that bond to lure the player across the capital. Frank is keen on making Mbeumo a centerpiece of his rebuild at Tottenham and believes the player’s familiarity with his tactical approach could prove decisive.

Earlier this month, The Athletic had reported that Bryan Mbeumo had his heart set on a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils placing him high on their summer transfer shortlist. United manager Ruben Amorim had made the Cameroonian winger his top priority to strengthen the flanks, despite competition from other top-flight clubs including Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Spurs.

However, in a new twist, Sky Sports now claim that Mbeumo has begun to warm to the idea of a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, especially given Frank’s arrival and the opportunity to remain in London. This development has reportedly shaken some sections of the Manchester United fanbase, who had assumed a deal was only a matter of time. United had previously tabled an offer of £45 million with a further £10 million in potential add-ons, but Brentford swiftly rejected it, insisting on a straight £60 million fee.

According to Sky Germany, Frank is expected to ramp up his efforts in the coming days, hoping to convince Mbeumo to reunite with him in North London. However, despite Spurs’ apparent interest and Frank’s personal influence, The Express report that Mbeumo has already given a verbal agreement to Manchester United, with personal terms on a proposed contract in Manchester said to be settled.

Manchester United, for their part, remain optimistic that they will eventually get their man. The club is pushing ahead with plans to bolster their attacking options, having already announced the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a £62.5 million deal. Cunha arrives at Old Trafford following an impressive season and is expected to form part of a revamped forward line under Amorim’s guidance.

Despite their confidence in the Mbeumo deal, United are also preparing backup plans in case negotiations stall. Amorim is said to be interested in adding another striker to complement Cunha and, potentially, Mbeumo. However, a proposed reunion with Viktor Gyokeres now appears off the table, with the Sporting CP striker reportedly rejecting advances from United.

As alternatives, United are being linked with several other attacking names. Napoli’s prolific frontman Victor Osimhen remains an ambitious — though expensive — target, while Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are also under consideration as more feasible options.

It’s no surprise that United are aggressively targeting forwards this summer. The Red Devils managed a meager 44 goals in the Premier League last season — a paltry return for a club of their stature. By comparison, Mbeumo and Cunha combined for 35 goals between them last term, underlining the kind of impact United are hoping to bring to Old Trafford.

United’s current attacking options struggled throughout the campaign. Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo ended the season as the club’s joint top scorers with just eight goals apiece, while striker Rasmus Højlund only managed four league goals. January signing Joshua Zirkzee didn’t fare much better, finding the net just three times following his £36.5 million move from Bologna.

As the transfer window intensifies, the tug-of-war for Bryan Mbeumo looks set to become one of the most intriguing stories of the summer — with Brentford holding firm, United growing restless, and Tottenham quietly playing their cards through an old ally.