Man Utd have exciting transfer Plan B as Bryan Mbeumo 'happy' with Brentford stay

Manchester United's month-long pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has reached its climax as the club prepare a third bid after Brentford's previous two rejections. The Red Devils have failed to lure Mbeumo to Old Trafford with offers worth £45million plus £10m in add-ons and, most recently, £55m plus bonuses totalling £7.5m.

Brentford reportedly value Mbeumo at £65m, and it remains to be seen whether United will reach those heights with what could be a final approach. Ruben Amorim has identified the 25-year-old as his priority transfer target after sealing the £62.5m signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

However, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Brentford fend off the heavyweight interest and retain their star man's services beyond the summer.

In an interview with Sky Sports on Monday, Brentford sporting director Phil Giles confirmed that talks had taken place with Mbeumo's representatives over a potential stay.

And he insisted that the Cameroon international would be happy to spend a seventh season in West London if United do not match their demands.

"There is significant interest in Bryan. I think it has been documented and publicised about his current preference," Giles told Sky Sports.

"I think from what I understand, he is also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well. So, listen, let's see on that.

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"I think our position is he had an unbelievable season last year. We expected interest in him. If that deal is right, there is a deal to do. If it is not, he will stay."

Should United miss out on Mbeumo, it would not be a surprise if their attention switched towards granting Amorim's desire for a reunion with Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The 27-year-old's future is in limbo over his price tag, with Sporting president Frederico Varandas suggesting he wants a higher fee than the £62.5m spent on Cunha.

However, the Portuguese champions maintain that they will not hold out for Gyokeres' £85m release clause, and an exit is the expected outcome.

United have reportedly been told that Gyokeres prefers a move to Arsenal this summer due to their Champions League status.

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But with the Gunners' focus seemingly locked onto RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, Amorim's old frontman could warm to the idea of a reunion.

United can utilise their remaining budget, used for the first two Mbeumo bids, on a swoop for Gyokeres to scope out Sporting's desired fee.

Should a new striker move ahead of a second versatile forward after Cunha in Amorim's wishlist, there are players who can operate in that role next season.

Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee can all thrive as one of the 'No. 10s' in Amorim's 3-4-3 system.

So, while it would be a blow to miss out on Mbeumo, a Gyokeres-shaped silver lining is a consolation worth pursuing.