Bryan Mbeumo reacts to £70m Man Utd bid as Brentford's valuation increase explained

Manchester United are hoping to wrap up a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo before their tour of the United States after the Red Devils submitted a fresh £70m bid for the forward on Thursday.

The Red Devils have been targeting the Cameroon international since the start of the transfer window. Premier League rivals Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur had shown interest but the player preferred a move to Old Trafford.

Mbeumo’s preference has ensured that another club was unable to swoop in ahead of the Red Devils who have had offers worth up to £55m and £62.5m rejected. He scored 20 goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League last term.

Ruben Amorim’s side had an issue with scoring goals last season and Mbeumo’s potential arrival along Matheus Cunha could add some serious firepower, with United still keen to sign a striker. However, they will need to raise money from player sales before being able to afford a new number nine.

How Bryan Mbeumo has reacted to Man Utd’s latest bid

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Mbeumo has reacted to United’s latest bid by sending a simple message to the Bees. Speaking to the United Stand, Jacobs said: “Not only are Man United optimistic of getting the deal done, Bryan Mbeumo himself has told Brentford he thinks the offer is fair, and the move should happen before the USA tour.

“If Brentford outright reject the third bid and say it’s not near the valuation structure, then Man United will walk away.”

United kick off their pre-season preparations against Leeds United in Sweden on Saturday afternoon. They then head to the United States for their Premier League Summer Series tour, as they take on West Ham United, Bournemouth and Everton before concluding preparations against Fiorentina.

Why Brentford have demanded £70m for Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford initially valued Mbeumo at a little more than £62.5m and while United’s second offer reached that amount, the up front fee was just £55m with the Bees having an issue with the achievability of the £7.5m add ons.

However, the Evening Standard has explained that Brentford raised their asking price to around £70m due to other transfers within the Premier League - particularly the £55m Newcastle United paid Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga and the £52m Arsenal have agreed to pay Chelsea for the signing of Noni Madueke.

The good news for United is a move is expected to be concluded swiftly once Brentford accept United’s offer. The timing of the Red Devils third and final bid has been key. Yoane Wissa has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs but Brentford are not ready to sell both Mbeumo and Wissa this summer, meaning United will want to get Mbeumo through the door as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of missing out on him.