Bryan Mbeumo is Manchester United’s No 1 target in the summer transfer window but they face competition from Tottenham, who are strengthened by the arrival of the forward’s ex-Brentford boss Thomas Frank
Manchester United will have a fight on their hands to snap up the best talent this summer after missing out on Champions League football, with their bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo proving more difficult than first anticipated.
The Red Devils looked like favourites to sign the Brentford forward before having a £60million bid rejected and then Tottenham entered the race – buoyed by the arrival of Mbeumo’s ex-manager Thomas Frank. Spurs have since submitted a £70m offer.
United remain confident they will secure the player’s signature, having already sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves for around £62m. But Amorim has bigger problems on his hands trying to shift unwanted stars like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony.
Amorim will be eager to bolster his squad as much as possible after a dismal Premier League season saw them finish 15th in the table and he needs much better quality to boost the depth of his talent.
Mirror Football has rounded up some of the biggest Manchester United transfer stories and rumours after the summer transfer window officially opened for Premier League clubs.
READ MORE: Angel Gomes reveals ‘weight of the shirt’ issue hampering Man Utd starsREAD MORE: Man Utd’s response to huge Tottenham bid in Bryan Mbeumo transfer race speaks volumes
Agent Onana aids Mbeumo chase
United are already the frontrunners to sign Mbeumo after he impressed with 20 goals in the top flight last season, by far his best campaign for Brentford.
Mbeumo is said to be “leaning towards” a move to Old Trafford, but the saga remains unclear after United’s rejected bid.
And Frank’s move to Tottenham has complicated matters, with the player said to be “intrigued” by the north London switch now that Frank has arrived – a manager he admires so much.
But United are doing their best to persuade Mbeumo his future lies in Manchester and now goalkeeper Andre Onana is reportedly on the case trying to convince his international team-mate.
Onana and Mbeumo play together for the Cameroonian national team and are thought to be close friends, with the shot-stopper hoping he can work his magic given the nature of their relationship.
United are in need of new forward players after some dismal performances from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season. The duo managed only seven goals in the Premier League between them.
Martinez targeting United move
Speaking of Onana – while he appears to be the No 1 goalkeeper at United, that could change quickly if a decent alternative option appears in the transfer window.
And while Amorim is understood happy to have Onana as his first-choice going into the new season, he might have his head turned after ESPN Argentina reported Emiliano Martinez is angling for a move to Old Trafford.
The report also adds that United have already began negotiations with the Argentine World Cup winner to replace Onana.
Martinez has a contract until 2029 at Aston Villa but is expected to leave the club this summer after appearing to give a tearful farewell following the team’s last home game of the season.
He has made 212 appearances for Villa since joining from Arsenal in 2020, while also picking up a total of 53 caps for his country.
Garnacho wants Premier League stay
Alejandro Garnacho is one of United’s transfer misfits they are trying to shift this summer after falling out with Amorim.
The winger gave an outspoken interview after being dropped for United’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham and declared the team’s season as “s***” – and his agent brother Roberto added fuel to the fire by claiming he had been “thrown under the boss” by his manager.
The Argentine has been strongly linked with Napoli in this window in a move that would unite him with ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Bayer Leverkusen were also said to be interested in the player, but Erik ten Hag’s side were put off United’s £70m valuation.
However, despite the interest from abroad, Garnacho is prioritising a Premier League stay, according to the Daily Mail.
It says Garnacho would have interest from Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham should he opt to continue playing in England’s top flight.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
