Newcastle unlikely to hijack Man Utd transfer as they focus on Brighton and Nottingham Forest men - opinion

Man United’s transfer business got off to a quick start in the ‘mini-transfer window’ before the Club World Cup, as they added Wolves striker Matheus Cunha.

It looked as though United would also be able to secure the signing of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who had told the Bees that he wanted a move to Old Trafford this summer. The Cameroonian international was superb for Brentford last season, scoring 20 goals in the Premier League.

However, Newcastle United also wanted to sign the winger, and it was suggested by a former Premier League ace they could look to hijack the Red Devils’ move, which would be a huge blow for Ruben Amorim.

Newcastle looking at other targets

Newcastle have been tipped to make a move for Mbeumo by Premier League midfielder Don Hutchinson, he revealed that he would be “stunned” if the Magpies didn’t make a “late” move to sign Mbeumo this summer.

The winger is expected to cost £60m, amid Brentford’s high valuation of the 25-year-old, after a couple of superb seasons for the Bees. However, reports have also said that the Magpies are looking at alternative targets to Mbeumo.

They are reportedly keen to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro, who has also been linked to Liverpool. The Brazilian scored 10 goals and provided six assists in the Premier League.

Furthermore, Newcastle are also reportedly keen to sign Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. Newcastle were close to signing Pedro from Watford in 2022, but signed Alexander Isak instead. They had also been close to adding Elanga too, submitting a bid of £35m last summer.

Both as strong alternatives to Mbeumo, it could mean that United do not face any late hiccups to sign the Brentford winger with potential competition from Newcastle, who have the lure of Champions League football next season.

Man United’s biggest competition isn’t from Newcastle

The Red Devils aren’t just competing with Newcastle United to sign Mbeumo this summer anymore, as Tottenham Hotspur could make a move to sign the winger amid the suggestions that they will appoint Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s successor.

Frank may be able to persuade Mbeumo to move with him from Brentford to Spurs after having a lot of success together during the winger’s time at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Mbeumo joined the Bees in 2019, when Frank signed him from French side Troyes. He since has scored 70 goals and provided 51 assists for Brentford under the Danish manager.

Spurs also have the lure of Champions League football, after they beat United in the Europa League final, so they should be the Red Devils’ biggest competitors to sign Mbeumo.

However, on the bright side for Ruben Amorim, it has already been reported that Mbeumo wants to move to Old Trafford despite the lack of Champions League football, and so the Red Devils remain the front-runners to sign him.

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