Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd breakthrough finally emerges as Brentford make key transfer decision

Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd breakthrough finally emerges as Brentford make key transfer decision

Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer from Brentford to Manchester United has been held up the two club’s inability to agree on a fee, but the Bees have now made a telling move

Brentford have dropped a major hint that Bryan Mbeumo’s protracted transfer to Manchester United could finally be about to go through.

United have been chasing Mbeumo for weeks, but have come up against a determined resistance from Brentford, who have refused to budge over their asking price. The Bees have rejected two offers from United for the Cameroon international, who they believe is worth at least £63million.

Brentford have seen United pay £62.5m for Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Anthony Elanga go from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle for £55m and are playing hard ball over their most prized asset.

Nevertheless, the club are not blind to the fact that Mbeumo wants to leave and they have begun making contingency plans

The Evening Standard reports that they have identified Ipswich Town star Omari Hutchinson as a replacement for Mbeumo, although they have yet to make contact.

Hutchinson only joined Ipswich from Chelsea last summer in a club-record deal worth £22.5m, but could be set to leave a year later

He got three goals and two assists in 31 appearances last season as Ipswich were relegated and reportedly prefers the idea of moving back to London.

Chelsea have a buy-back clause, but are unlikely to stand in Brentford’s way, given they have already signed wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian from Borussia Dortmund and Palmeiras respectively this summer.

Brentford have already lost manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham – replacing him with Keith Andrews – and captain Christian Norgaard, who joined Arsenal, and are now facing the possible departures of Mbeumo and striker Yoane Wissa. But the west London side have developed a reputation for shrewd work in the transfer market.