There is no smoke without fire and Manchester United's deadline day might still produce some fireworks - even if a damp fuse fizzling out to nothing feels more likely.
The Red Devils have teased the prospect of signing some of Europe's most exciting players this month but Ralf Rangnick's side have put all their eggs in one basket with less than 24 hours to go.
United are yet to bless the 'Godfather of German football' with a signing at Old Trafford and, unfortunately, he has nothing more to show for this month than a rendition of his favourite Sam Smith song -Way too Good at Goodbyes (and you thought Ralf was more of a Kraftwerk guy).
Rangnick was reportedly open to letting up to four players leave this month, however that number could tick up to five before the January transfer window closes tonight.
The emergence of Anthony Elanga in United’s first-team ultimately spelled the exit for Anthony Martial, who joined Sevilla on loan. Meanwhile, Amad is getting used to life at Rangers and the small matter of an Old Firm derby on Wednesday.
Donny van de Beek continues to be linked with a loan exit, Jesse Lingard, too, faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford as he enters the final six months of his contract, while Phil Jones has become subject of late interest from Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. Vintage stuff!
Hopefully, by setting the record straight, laying down the law and trimming the first-team squad, Rangnick can begin to sculpt his dream squad and this is how we think it'll go.
Pogba to make £40m bitter-sweet transfer decision
A transfer window is never a transfer window without rumours about Paul Pogba's future, however this story could be set for a fresh twist.
The 28-year-old is ready for a shock U-turn and wants to stay at United, but only if interim boss Rangnick remains in charge, according to The Daily Mail.
Pogba, who sees his contract at Old Trafford expire at the end of the season, has been won over by Rangnick's vision to build a midfield around him.
However, the France international has been the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a potentially free move in the summer, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
I can see Pogba verbally committing to United, scuppering the Red Devils' £40 million pursuit for a replacement like Ruben Neves, as reported by The Daily Star, and then eventually leaving in the summer for nothing.
United's number six can be the best midfielder in the world on his day and his presence would be appreciated but, equally, his eventual departure is looming ever larger.
Rangnick lands late Dembele deal
Ousmane Dembele has attracted late interest from United, Newcastle and Chelsea, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
I can see the Red Devils pulling off a dramatic late deal for the 24-year-old - rubbing salt into the wounds of Thomas Tuchel, who has had little to no luck in the January window.
The Barcelona winger, who is apparently on the market for in the region of £18million, would likely become just another Cristiano Ronaldo-esque deal - a transfer motivated in part by a desire to deny a rival a key signing.
Dembele would be a potentially superb recruit but I'm surprised the Reds aren't throwing everything they have at a midfielder, such as the aforementioned Neves.
United drawn into Haaland 'breakthrough'
Every leading side in Europe has been linked with Erling Haaland and it wouldn't surprise me to see a 'late development' or 'breakthrough' with regards to his future plans.
The 21-year-old's transfer has the potential to be one of the most decisive in football history and his arrival would sensationally swing the momentum back in United's favour if Rangnick were to snatch the Norwegian from Pep Guardiola.
Haaland's future obviously won't be solved today, but don't presume you've heard the last of United in this saga.
Much stranger things have happened. Phil Jones to Bordeaux could soon be on such a list, for example.
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