Manchester United may be losing ground in the chase for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, but there’s fresh hope from the Eredivisie.
With Tottenham Hotspur now leading the race for Mbeumo — thanks in part to new boss Thomas Frank — United have turned their sights to an exciting plan B.
The club had been hopeful of landing Mbeumo with a reported bid of £45 million plus £10m in add-ons.
But Spurs’ interest has shifted the odds. Mbeumo is now said to be intrigued by the move to North London, leaving United manager Ruben Amorim needing a new attacking option.
Fortunately for the Red Devils, the Dutchman may have just what they’re looking for — and at a better price.
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Bakayoko on Man United radar as Mbeumo alternative
Johan Bakayoko, the highly-rated winger from PSV Eindhoven, has emerged as a serious alternative. The 22-year-old Belgian has just one year left on his contract and could be available for around £17 million, as per ED.NL.
That’s a bargain in today’s market — especially for a player who’s delivered consistent numbers over the last two seasons.
Bakayoko scored 12 goals last season and provided three assists. A year earlier, he had a combined 14 goals and assists. He’s already played in Europe and lifted the Eredivisie title with PSV. And more importantly, he’s hungry for more.
In a recent interview, the winger said: “It is also possible that I will leave next year, but I still have to discuss it carefully with my agent… If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies.”
Sounds like he’s speaking United’s language.
Former United striker and PSV coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, who gave Bakayoko his first-team chance, once said: “He plays such controlled football that you forget he is only 18.”
With Spurs making the early run for Mbeumo, United may just find themselves scoring a smarter goal in Bakayoko.
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