Thomas Frank says “selling club” Brentford open to Mbeumo exit

Thomas Frank has lifted the lid on Brentford’s transfer approach, saying that the Bees are a “selling club” and are open to parting with their key men for the right price.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Frank spoke about interest in star winger Bryan Mbeumo, saying that while the player is happy, the club would consider a sizeable bid for his services.
“I’m the head coach, I want my best players to stay forever,” Frank said. “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 ten clubs in the world who 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.”
Name your price
When pressed on what the right price for the player would be, Frank simply said; “a lot”.
The Danish manager is keeping his cards close to his chest, but is aware that Mbeumo alongside many of the club’s talented players could be the subject of big money bids this summer.
Mbeumo’s strike partner Yoane Wissa was already the subject of a bid from Nottingham Forest in January, while fellow forward Kevin Schade and goal keeper Mark Flekken are said to be of interest to clubs in Germany.
Frank stated that while the club will be wary of incoming bids, the aim is still to keep the core of the squad together.
“If we sell any players, I expect it to be very few,” said Frank.
“This is a group where some of these players have been together for some time, but there has also been change which I also think is good and healthy.
“I expect more or less the same squad for next season.”
While Frank was tight lipped on publicly stating how much Mbeumo could cost, TalkSport has reported that £50million is the value set by Brentford. Newcastle are said to be leading the list of admirers, while Arsenal and Liverpool are known to be keeping an eye out as well.
