Frank gave Mbeumo clear Man Utd transfer instruction before joining Tottenham

Manchester United are being rivalled in their bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo by Tottenham, who have launched a £70m bid for the player. He worked with their now-manager Thomas Frank and could now be interested in a move

Thomas Frank made it clear he wanted Bryan Mbeumo to stay at Brentford "forever" before the end of last season, with the forward now being chased by Manchester United and the Dane's new club Tottenham.

Mbeumo is one of the most sought-after Premier League players in this summer transfer window after an excellent season at Brentford saw him score 20 goals in the top flight while also registering seven assists.

It was by far his best season since arriving at the club in 2019 after taking his total goal tally to 70 in 242 appearances. Now he is being tipped for a move to a big club and Manchester United have already had a bid of around £60million rejected by Brentford.

But with his former boss Frank joining Tottenham, the north London side have now entered the race and Mbeumo is said to be "intrigued" over a move to Spurs - who have launched a bid of around £70m.

Frank spoke about Mbeumo's future last month and while he admitted Brentford were a "selling club", he stressed he wanted to keep his star man - though that view is likely to have changed now he's linked up with Spurs.

"I'm the head coach. I want my best players to stay forever," Frank said, speaking to Sky Sports. "I know that Bryan is very happy being here at Brentford, he's thriving, doing well and playing fantastic. What happens in the future? I don't know.

"I've said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time, we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world that aren't selling clubs.

"So, of course, if the right price - and that's going to be expensive - is coming, then I'm sure the club will be open for it. But I'm very happy he's here, and I'm convinced that Bryan will still be happy playing football here."

Mbeumo is still leaning towards Manchester United, but Spurs have received "encouragement" that the player could be interested now that Frank has become their new manager.

There is a feeling that Mbeumo has "earned the chance" to join a bigger side this summer - so long as a club meets their valuation of £70m for a player who was only outscored by Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland last season.

United are expected to go back in with another bid for Mbeumo, while Spurs are reportedly weighing up interest in Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo - who is also a target for the Red Devils.