Having seen United shell out £62.5m for Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Anthony Elanga move from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle for £55m, Brentford are not backing down over their most valuable player. However, they are aware of Mbeumo’s desire to depart and have started preparing for his potential exit.
The Evening Standard claim that Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson has been earmarked as a possible replacement for Mbeumo, although contact has yet to be made. Hutchinson, who moved to Ipswich from Chelsea last summer in a record-breaking £22.5m deal, could be set to depart just a year later.
Despite Ipswich’s relegation last season, Hutchinson managed three goals and two assists in 31 appearances and is reportedly keen on a return to London. While Chelsea do have a buy-back clause, it’s unlikely they’ll obstruct Brentford’s plans, especially after securing wingers Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian from Borussia Dortmund and Palmeiras respectively this summer.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Giles revealed: “There’s significant interest in Bryan. I think it’s been well publicised and spoken about, his preference. I think from what I understand he’s also, if needs be, happy to stay at Brentford next year as well.
“Let’s see on that. I think our position is that he had an unbelievable season last season, we expected interest in him. If that deal’s right, there’s a deal to do, if not then he stays. We’ve spoken to Bryan and his representatives. It’s not a given that he’s going to depart this summer. There is interest.
“He had a great season last season so it’s inevitable there’s going to be interest in him. If we get the right offer, there’s potentially a deal to be done but there’s only so much we can say on that.”