Tottenham Hotspur's hijacking attempt is in jeopardy. Bryan Mbeumo (26, Brentford) still seems closer to joining Manchester United.

The British 'BBC' reported on the 16th (Korea time) that "Manchester United is relaxed about the prospect of signing Mbeumo. There are many rumors and questions, but I did not get the impression that Manchester United is concerned about the possibility of Mbeumo's transfer falling through."

The media reported that "Tottenham is eager to sign Mbeumo, who has discussed his future with 'Sky Sports' ahead of the 'F1 race' taking place in Montreal. He made it clear that he does not want to talk about his future, but former manager Thomas Frank expressed hope that fortune would follow him at Tottenham."

Mbeumo, who is attracting interest from both Tottenham and Manchester United, said, "(The transfer rumors) are a bit new to me! I think it’s part of a footballer's life. You have to accept it," while keeping silent about his future.

Mbeumo also praised manager Frank, who left Brentford to take charge of Tottenham. He said, "Frank believed in me from the very beginning. He developed the team really well and helped me grow as a person and a player. I just wish all the best for Frank. I'm sure he will do well; he seems to know everything and is really smart. He was fantastic."

The Cameroon-born forward Mbeumo is capable of playing as a right winger and a central striker. He has been active at Brentford since August 2019 and has not changed his uniform even after the team was promoted to the Premier League.

In particular, Mbeumo has had the best year of his career this season. He played in all 38 Premier League matches, scoring 20 goals and assisting 7 times, setting a new career high. Although his partner Ivan Toney left for Saudi Arabia last summer, Mbeumo has shone even brighter, establishing himself as the ace. His overall performance at Brentford totals 242 matches with 70 goals.

Manchester United, looking to strengthen their attack this summer, has targeted Mbeumo. There are plans for Mbeumo to form a triangle with new signings Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes.

Mbeumo has also signaled a green light for a move to Manchester United. He has received attention from other Premier League big clubs such as Arsenal and Newcastle United but has decided to join Manchester United. Similar to Cunha, he is known to have a special affection for Manchester United.

However, variables arose when Tottenham intervened. Tottenham is attempting to hijack Mbeumo late, having brought in manager Frank from Brentford. In particular, Tottenham hopes that the presence of manager Frank, who has already been appointed, will help persuade Mbeumo. Unlike Manchester United, the fact that they are competing in the UEFA Champions League could also be a plus factor.

However, in terms of financial resources, it will not be easy for Tottenham to outbid Manchester United. In particular, the much tighter weekly wage structure compared to Manchester United is a hindrance. According to the British 'Mirror', Tottenham would have difficulty meeting the weekly wage Manchester United would propose, even with bonuses.

Decisively, Mbeumo still appears to be dreaming of a move to Manchester United. According to European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United has already completed personal terms with Mbeumo. However, they have not yet received approval from his current team, Brentford. Manchester United is reportedly continuing discussions to reach an agreement on the transfer fee with Brentford.

For now, Manchester United is confident in signing Mbeumo. Sky Sports reported that "Manchester United is aware of Tottenham's interest but is relaxed about the signing of Mbeumo." They added, "Mbeumo is receiving interest from Tottenham, who just appointed his former manager Frank. However, a source stated that he currently leans towards Manchester United."

Additionally, the BBC also stated that Manchester United is not concerned about Tottenham's hijacking. The media interpreted that "Mbeumo wishing Frank luck can be interpreted in various ways. However, it means that he is on vacation and that the possibility of a contract being finalized in the near future is low," and suggested that we should keep watching the situation.

The key seems to be how quickly Manchester United can finalize negotiations with Brentford. According to Sky Sports, Brentford is asking for £60 million (about 110.9 billion won) for Mbeumo's transfer fee. Both Manchester United and Tottenham are willing to meet the asking price, but additional negotiations are needed.

Manchester United proposed a basic transfer fee of £45 million (about 83.5 billion won) and an additional £10 million (about 18.5 billion won) to Brentford earlier this month, but it was rejected. They are now reported to be preparing a second proposal with a higher amount. However, Manchester United is determined not to spend beyond the proper value set internally.

Tottenham is also keeping an eye on other wingers in case the Mbeumo transfer falls through. According to Romano, Tottenham highly values Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Tyler Dibling (Southampton), and Yoane Wissa (Brentford) and plans to have internal discussions with manager Frank within this week.

[Photo] MUIP, 365 Scores, Sky Sports.

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