Manchester United have seen a first offer rejected, in the region of £45m with £10m in add-ons, and Spurs have stepped up their interest after hiring ex-Brentford boss Thomas Frank to replace the sacked Ange Postecoglou.

Manchester United remain confident of finalising a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur. Mbeumo has told confidants he only wants to join United but well-placed sources say that has not deterred Spurs, who appointed Thomas Frank as their new coach last week.

Ivan Toney’s departure for the Saudi Pro League last summer meant there was pressure on Mbeumo to step up and help fill the void – and the Cameroon international did not disappoint, proving he was more than ready to be Brentford’s main man.