Bryan Mbeumo transfer saga takes new twist as Brentford give clearest indication yet on Man Utd target's future

The transfer saga involving Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Manchester United has continued via a fresh update.

The Athletic reported on June 2 that Mbeumo was interested in a move to United, and that Ruben Amorim's side were preparing a bid.

Over a month on, the two sides are still yet to reach an agreement and Mbeumo remains a Brentford player.

United have had two bids rejected for the Cameroon international, who is said to be 'frustrated' at the lengthy process.

Given Amorim's side have still only completed one permanent signing this summer - that of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha - after one of the worst seasons in the club's history, fans are also beginning to get impatient.

But the newest update may offer some encouragement.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Brentford have identified Ipswich star Omari Hutchinson as a target in the event of Mbeumo departing the Gtech Community Stadium.

Image: Twitter/@FabrizioRomano

Hutchinson formerly played for Arsenal and Chelsea before signing for the Tractor Boys permanently last summer.

He was part of the England squad which won the U21 European Championship earlier this year.

The 21-year-old scored three goals and provided two assists for Ipswich last season after his £20 million move, but couldn't help them to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Kieran McKenna's side are therefore making an immediate return to the Championship, and have already lost one key player this summer.

Last season's top scorer Liam Delap joined Chelsea in a £30 million deal, though Ipswich have not yet had to part company with any of last season's squad barring several releases.

If Hutchinson were to join Brentford, he would face the prospect of replacing his new side's top scorer from last term.

Mbeumo netted on 20 occasions in the Premier League, marking his highest-ever seasonal tally at any level.

The 25-year-old signed for Brentford in 2019 from French club Troyes and has scored 70 goals in 242 appearances in all competitions.