Bryan Mbeumo to Man Utd 'stalls' as Brentford stun club with new transfer demand

Manchester United's transfer pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has stalled after Brentford increased their financial demands during negotiations, according to reports. The Red Devils have been chasing Mbeumo's signature for over a month, but Brentford have caused frustration by digging their heels in over his transfer fee.

An initial bid worth £45million plus £10m in add-ons was rejected shortly after the 25-year-old chose Old Trafford as his preferred destination at the start of June. Brentford then rebuffed an improved offer worth a guaranteed £55m and £7.5m in bonuses, holding out for more than the £62.5m that United paid Wolves to sign Matheus Cunha.

According to the Guardian, at the end of June, United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox believed a £65m package would seal a deal for Mbeumo.

However, the M16 giants' swoop has since stalled after Brentford raised their asking price towards the £70m mark.

Ratcliffe is said to be determined to deny any attempts to force United to pay more than their £65m valuation of Mbeumo.

The report adds that Brentford privately indicated that they expected a medical to take place imminently when a £65m agreement seemed certain.

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But the Bees' fresh stance has stunned United, with Ratcliffe and Wilcox ready to remain patient to secure the deal they consider fair.

Brentford are expected to stay firm on their demands, considering they have an option to extend Mbeumo's contract by one year after its expiry next summer.

United could wait for player sales to free up more budget, given Ruben Amorim also wants a striker, midfielder and wing-back.

Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are all in the shop window. None have been training with Amorim's squad in pre-season as they explore exits.

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United will ideally want Mbeumo through the door before the club jets off to the United States for their pre-season tour.

The Red Devils will predominantly be based in Chicago as they face West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton in the Premier League Summer Series.

They are set to fly across the Atlantic on Tuesday, three days after the pre-season fixture schedule begins against Leeds United in Stockholm on Saturday.