Manchester United are deep in discussions with Brentford over the signing of Bryan Mbeumo, but have now shown interest in his teammate.
It has been over one month since Manchester United entered talks to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and yet it does not feel imminent.
Two bids have been submitted for Mbeumo and been rejected by Brentford, with the latest totalling £62.5m. The Bees want £65m for Mbeumo, with a desire to receive more than what United paid for Matheus Cunha in June.
Mbeumo is dreaming of joining United and the chances are that it will eventually go through, but Ruben Amorim will want it done sooner than later.
With the prior target of completing the move by the start of pre-season on July 7th missed, now United want Mbeumo completed by the time the US tour begins in the next week or two.
However, now it has been reported that United are also internally considering another Brentford player.
Manchester United consider Frank Onyeka
Mbeumo is the top target this summer, but United still want four more signings after he arrives, among these areas is a midfielder.
However, limited budget means United are looking at cheaper options to bolster the depth rather than a big-name addition. Now, it has been reported by Ben Jacobs, while speaking with The United Stand, that Frank Onyeka from Brentford has been discussed internally.
“I know that they have discussed Frank Onyeka, who they think will be economical and a squad player.
“However, with Norgaard leaving I am not sure this is a possibility. With Onyeka you have Valencia and Burnley who are also interested.
“United are [looking for] a squad player who won’t get people excited, but who will do the job and fit into this system.”
The 27-year-old is unlikely to start many games for United if he arrived, but would be a player who would be useful on the bench or in cup games.
Onyeka is considered an option similar to how United are looking at Wilfred Ndidi for a move likely only happen later in the window if funds haven’t allowed a top target to be signed.
Would Frank Onyeka make Manchester United better?
Signing Onyeka would be a cheap move for a midfielder with experience in various leagues around Europe, but it would be a move that feels more done just for the sake of it.
If United wanted a midfielder to play a squad player role, Christian Norgaard would have been the better choice from Brentford.
However much Onyeka cost, it would be unlikely to be worthwhile as United already have the likes of Toby Collyer ready to play a bigger role who might already be better than Onyeka.
No European football means Amorim doesn’t need a massive squad, instead quality should be focussed on and if a player isn’t going to start, then the funds shouldn’t be wasted.
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