By Michael Davey
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has officially rejected a £100 million transfer to Al Hilal, while the Red Devils have reportedly opened talks with Brentford over a move for forward Bryan Mbeumo.
The Saudi Arabian side offered to triple Fernandes’ current wages, but the 30-year-old decided to stick with Ruben Amorim’s side after discussions with the United hierarchy and his wife.
Mbeumo, meanwhile, is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite the club’s lack of Champions League football next season, and is valued at around £60 million by the Bees.
Fernandes rejects Saudi interest
After a historically poor season that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and lose out to Tottenham in the Europa League final, United were widely expected to cash in on their Portuguese talisman amidst interest from Saudi Arabia.
However, Fernandes has now confirmed that he will be staying at Old Trafford.
Speaking at a press conference while on international duty with Portugal, he said: “The president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask about the possibility of me moving there. I had to wait a while to think about the future. As I’ve always said, I would be willing to do it if United thought it was best to move on.
“I spoke with Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. I spoke to the club, who said they weren’t willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave.
“From my side, it was a very ambitious proposal, the president was a fantastic person. I never talked about the money; it ended up coming up later, with my agent.
“I had to make the decision as a family and understand what I wanted for my future. That was the question my wife asked – what my professional goals would be. At no point did she say yes or no. She always supported me and put my professional side first.
“It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo. My children are used to playing with theirs. But I simply want to stay at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, because I still feel capable of that.
“I want to continue to be happy and do what I love most. I’m still very passionate about this sport. It’s my way of seeing football and I’m happy with my decision.”
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news: Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher signs for Brentford
Frank warns United over Mbeumo price
United are long-term admirers of Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals in the Premier League for Brentford last term and is said to be keen on a move to Manchester, but Brentford are under no pressure to sell.
Indeed, Bees boss Thomas Frank told The Times that the highly rated forward won’t come cheap: “If he is to be sold, it must be for a nice, nice amount. It is a lot. Mucho. Really a lot.
“I would say that I would be surprised if a lot of big clubs don’t look at him. I would be surprised with what he has to offer.
“How many wingers score 20 goals for a mid-table club? And then with seven assists plus his work ethic and his character. All these things mean that he has a lot, so he is a good player.”
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