Wilcox to make Man Utd bid for £60m star after Mbeumo

Over recent weeks, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been the most likely star to make the move to join Manchester United and further aid Ruben Amorim’s attempts in the final third.

The Cameroonian has starred in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, scoring 20 times in his 38 appearances, undoubtedly being the shining light in the Bees’ side.

Such a record has led to the Red Devils’ keen interest, even making a £60m bid for the attacker, but it was rejected, with the two clubs yet to agree on a fee this window.

They have faced huge competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature this summer, but the Bees star has given the Red Devils his word and confirmed that he wants to join Amorim’s side.

However, it appears as though other options are being considered in the forward department, potentially forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian at Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer

Dušan Vlahović is a player who has emerged on their radar over the last couple of weeks, potentially striking an agreement with Juventus that would see Jadon Sancho move in the opposite direction.

Felix Nmecha is another player on their radar, potentially making a bid for his services in the coming weeks in an attempt to land his signature ahead of the 2025/26 season.

However, the hierarchy are also active elsewhere, subsequently preparing a move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, that’s according to the latest update from CaughtOffside.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £60m offer for the 26-year-old, who’s registered 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the offer is below the Italian side’s asking price for the Portuguese international, but they would be open to offloading him should they receive an acceptable bid during this window.

Why United’s £60m target could be Amorim’s own version of prime Rashford

Marcus Rashford is a player who has been a superb option for United over the years after making his debut way back in 2016 as a baby-faced teenager.

He’s racked up over 400 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 138 times for his boyhood club, with his best season coming in 2022/23 – notching 30 goals in his 56 outings.

However, he appears to be out of favour under current boss Amorim, subsequently being loaned out to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 season.

The 27-year-old looks almost certain to depart Old Trafford on a permanent basis this summer, potentially handing the manager the funds to make the changes he requires.

A move could allow Leao to take his place within the first-team setup, being the manager’s next version of the England international, outperforming him in numerous key areas this season compared to his prime a couple of years ago.

The Milan star has previously stated he’s modelled his game on Rashford’s, often liking to cut inside onto his stronger right foot off the left-hand side, developing into a bigger talent in the process.

Leao, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – demonstrating his clinical edge within the final third.

He’s also produced countless chances, completing more progressive carries and passes per 90, subsequently able to provide the players around him with added opportunities.

The Portuguese star has further dominated, registering more take-ons and winning more aerial battles, handing Amorim an all-round threat within the final third.

£60m for a player of his quality would be a superb piece of business, giving the side the fear factor they’ve often lacked within the final third in recent seasons.

Should he match or better the levels produced by Rashford back in 2022/23, it would be a sensational signing and one that could transform the Amorim era for the better.

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