Andre Onana is playing a key role in trying to convince Bryan Mbeumo to turn down Tottenham in favour of a transfer move to Manchester United this summer.
Mbeumo has been identified as one of United’s key priorities for the transfer window, with the Red Devils determined to further strengthen their misfiring attack having already completed a deal for Matheus Cunha.
The 25-year-old enjoyed his best-ever season with Brentford last term, racking up 20 goals and seven assists to help steer the Bees to a tenth-placed finish in the Premier League.
United saw their opening offer of £45million – plus £10m add-ons – for Mbeumo rejected out of hand by Brentford and discussions are ongoing over a proposed switch to Old Trafford, with the transfer window open once again.
And while Spurs are attempting to hijack United’s bid to sign Mbeumo, it’s understood the Cameroon international favours a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
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Manchester Evening News report that Onana is playing an active role in ‘swaying’ his fellow countryman to choose Manchester over north London, which could prove instrumental over the coming days and weeks.
The report claims that Onana himself is expected to stay on with United despite struggling to win over Ruben Amorim’s trust across an error-strewn second season in the north west.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Brentford will be holding out for a fee of around £70m for Mbeumo and are using Wolves’ agreement for Cunha as a reference point in their talks with United.
Mbeumo has just 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.
‘It’s a bit new for me, I would say, but that can be the life of a footballer,’ Mbeumo told Sky Sports when asked for his reaction to the incessant rumours surrounding his future.
‘You need to accept it.’
Though Brentford ultimately missed out on European football, Mbeumo is pleased with how the club’s season panned out.
‘It’s been my best season so far in the Premier League and, even collectively, we did play very good games,’ he added.
‘I think we’ve been unlucky in chasing the European spot, but it has been a fantastic season.’
Newly appointed Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has reportedly encouraged club chairman Daniel Levy to do everything in his power to secure the signing of Mbeumo.
And while Mbeumo refused to be drawn on speculation that he could be reunited with Frank at Spurs, he wished his former manager all the best in his new job.
‘He’s done so much for me. He’s trusted me from the start and I think he developed the team so well, he developed me as a human and a player so much as well,’ Mbeumo explained.
‘I can only wish him all the best and I’m sure he’s going to do well.
‘He knows everything. He’s really smart, he knows the way he wants to bring the team and how he wants to play. I think he has been fantastic for Brentford.’
Mbeumo hopes Tottenham fans are patient with Frank while the Dane ‘adapts’ to life at a new club.
‘He’s going to have some time to adapt, obviously,’ he added.
‘Now, it’s going to change for him… more expectations, but I’m sure he’s going to do well.
‘He knows how to talk to people, how to build a group and that’s why we’ve been playing so well.’
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