Bayern Munich agree personal terms with Brown but baulk at €60m fee, keeping United in race

Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with Nathaniel Brown but are refusing to pay Eintracht Frankfurt’s €60 million (£51.8m) asking price for the 22-year-old left-back, keeping Manchester United and Arsenal in contention for his signature.

Frankfurt have tied Brown to a contract running until 2031 and are standing firm on their valuation, with Bayern now in direct contact with the Bundesliga club in an attempt to negotiate a fee. Should those talks collapse, United — who have tracked the German international throughout the season — remain well-placed to make a move.

Brown enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign, contributing to 10 goals in 41 appearances across two competitions. Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche has made no secret of his belief in the player’s value, drawing a direct comparison to the £62m Chelsea paid Brighton for Marc Cucurella.

“Yes, because he has three exceptional qualities you can’t teach: he’s smart and tactically intelligent, has great technique, and he’s very fast,” Kroesche said. “For me, he is already one of the best full-backs in Europe. He’s made outstanding progress, especially when it comes to defending at a high level. Just look at how he performs against top opponents in the Champions League.”

Left-back is one of several positions United are targeting this summer, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly also on their radar. Brown is considered the most attainable of the three in terms of cost, though Frankfurt’s asking price still represents a substantial outlay.

United’s summer business is taking shape elsewhere too. A deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is understood to be in place, with the club also pursuing a second midfield addition. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba have all been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

In attack, Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye has emerged as a potential option, though Matheus Cunha has made a strong impression since arriving and Patrick Dorgu is now viewed as a viable candidate for the left flank.