Manchester United are keeping their options open in the transfer market as talks with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo continue without a breakthrough. The Red Devils remain interested in signing the prolific Cameroonian forward, who had a standout 2024/25 campaign with 20 Premier League goals—ranking just behind the likes of Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Alexander Isak. Mbeumo’s rise to prominence has made him one of the most sought-after players this summer, and he has already expressed his desire to join the United project under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Since his arrival from Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo has been a steady performer for Brentford, but his latest season has elevated his reputation significantly. Manchester United submitted an initial offer totaling £55 million, which Brentford turned down, holding firm on their valuation. Negotiations are ongoing, but United have made it clear they won’t be drawn into overpaying, as they’ve done in the past. Club CEO Omar Berrada has reportedly set a strict price ceiling and won’t go above it, regardless of the pressure.

Complicating matters is interest from Tottenham Hotspur, who have recently appointed former Brentford boss Thomas Frank as their manager. Spurs are now reportedly looking to hijack the Mbeumo deal and could potentially outbid United. Still, the Red Devils are understood to be in the lead, provided Brentford become more flexible in their demands.

If no agreement is reached, United are ready to pivot to other targets. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze have emerged as viable alternatives. Semenyo, valued at around £70 million, is a dynamic forward option, while Eze, who has a £65 million release clause, would bring creativity and flair to the team. Both players are seen as strong backups should the Mbeumo deal collapse.

This marks a shift in United’s transfer policy under the new leadership of Berrada, who is determined to avoid past mistakes that saw the club spend big on underwhelming signings. The aim now is to strike the right balance between talent and value, ensuring every signing makes financial and footballing sense.