Manchester United have gone well past their self-imposed deadline to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, and they may now pay the price.
According to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
The problem is that it could interfere with United's push for Mbeumo. Per Thomas, the Bees don't want to sell both Wissa and Mbeumo this summer. If they make a deal with Spurs for Wissa, it becomes "increasingly difficult" for United.
And this is exactly why it makes no sense to delay. The longer you drag out negotiations over a fee, the greater the risk of losing out.
Man United need to show a sense of urgency to get the Bryan Mbeumo deal done
To put it politely, United need to get a move on.
Tottenham's top priority was to get a deal done with West Ham for winger Mohammed Kudus, and now they have. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Spurs have reached an agreement with West Ham for a £55 million move.
It would make sense that Spurs will now move on to their next transfer targets. With Kudus on his way to N17, that could mean turning their attention to Wissa.
There's no excuse for United, who should soon receive around £5 million when Nottingham Forest sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United, thanks to a sell-on clause. That's money United should reinvest in the squad, and, you know, maybe increase their bid for Mbeumo?!
A fast start to the transfer window has been followed by frustration for United fans. They have been unable to make a blockbuster move since signing Matheus Cunha, not to mention the several players they have yet to sell.
Time is quickly running out to get the Mbeumo deal done. It's time to show some urgency.