MANCHESTER UNITED have opened talks with Brentford for star forward Bryan Mbeumo, according to reports.
The Cameroon international, 25, has indicated that he wants to move to Old Trafford this summer.
Brentford are willing to let their former record signing leave this summer, but won’t flog him on the cheap.
According to Sky Sports, United have “established contact” with the Bees ahead of making a formal bid.
Mbeumo has attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal this summer.
But United have received an indication that the forward would prefer to sign for them.
The Times claim that Mbeumo wants a hefty wage hike at Old Trafford.
They add that the United target is after £250,000 a week – FIVE TIMES his current £50k salary at Brentford.
Mbeumo has a year remaining on his Bees contract, although the West Londoners possess an option to extend the deal by 12 months.
Brentford are claimed to be demanding at least £60million to let their star forward leave.
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Boss Thomas Frank recently said: “It is clear that if he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.
“How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic. And his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”
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Mbeumo joined Brentford for a then-club record £5.8m in 2019, and has since starred alongside the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.
After Toney’s departure last summer, Mbeumo became the main man at the Gtech Community Stadium, scoring 20 goals in 38 Premier League appearances.
Only Mo Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland scored more Prem goals than Mbeumo last season.
Man Utd are looking to get business done early this summer, having already announced the £62.5m acquisition of Wolves star Matheus Cunha.
While the Red Devils are keen to strengthen in attack, club chiefs are also wary of needing to trim their wage bill.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, both on north of £300,000 a week, are set to return from loans at Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively.
While Antony is also due back from his spell at Real Betis.
United were also keen on £30m Ipswich star Liam Delap, although the forward has chosen Chelsea instead.
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