Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd breakthrough hint as Brentford 'make transfer decision'

Brentford have reportedly given a significant indication that Bryan Mbeumo's long-awaited transfer to Manchester United may be on the horizon. United have been pursuing Mbeumo for some time, but have met with staunch resistance from Brentford, who are holding firm on their valuation. The Bees have turned down two bids from United for the Cameroon international, whom they value at no less than £63million.

Having seen United shell out £62.5m for Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Anthony Elanga move from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle for £55m, Brentford are not backing down over their most valuable player. However, they are aware of Mbeumo's desire to depart and have started preparing for his potential exit.

The Evening Standard claim that Ipswich's Omari Hutchinson has been earmarked as a possible replacement for Mbeumo, although contact has yet to be made. Hutchinson, who moved to Ipswich from Chelsea last summer in a record-breaking £22.5m deal, could be set to depart just a year later.

Despite Ipswich's relegation last season, Hutchinson managed three goals and two assists in 31 appearances and is reportedly keen on a return to London. While Chelsea do have a buy-back clause, it's unlikely they'll obstruct Brentford's plans, especially after securing wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian from Borussia Dortmund and Palmeiras respectively this summer.

Brentford have been dealt a blow with the departure of manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham and captain Christian Norgaard's move to Arsenal, and now face the potential exits of Mbeumo and forward Yoane Wissa. Despite this, the Bees are known for their astute dealings in the transfer market.

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At just 21, Hutchinson has already made his mark by scoring in England's 3-2 victory over Germany in the Under-21 Euros final this summer. He's eager to play in the Premier League next season and is keen on filling the void left by Mbeumo, who notched up 20 league goals from the right wing in the 2024/25 season.

Phil Giles, Brentford's director of football, has previously refuted claims that a deal for Mbeumo with United was imminent, but it now appears to be only a matter of time.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Giles revealed: "There's significant interest in Bryan. I think it's been well publicised and spoken about, his preference. I think from what I understand he's also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well.

"Let's see on that. I think our position is that he had an unbelievable season last season, we expected interest in him. If that deal's right, there's a deal to do, if not then he stays. We've spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It's not a given that he's going to depart this summer. There is interest.

"He had a great season last season so it's inevitable there's going to be interest in him. If we get the right offer, there's potentially a deal to be done but there's only so much we can say on that."