With less than a month of the transfer window remaining, time is running out for Manchester United to complete their summer business.
While Erik ten Hag's squad has certainly started to take shape with the additions of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, it's far from the grand rebuild that was needed and more additions are required. The new manager would ideally like to add a right-back, forward, reserve goalkeeper and, of course, a new midfielder.
Ten Hag identified his former midfielder Frenkie de Jong as the perfect player to implement his style of football on United months ago and, to the club's credit, they have backed their manager and pursued the deal for months regardless of how difficult it has been. United have actually had an agreement in place with Barcelona for a number of weeks, but it has reached an impasse.
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De Jong has stated on several occasions that he wants to stay at Camp Nou. Barcelona have done everything within their power to strong-arm him out of the club or guilt trip him to reduce his wages. All the while, the supposedly cash-strapped Catalonians have been spending millions on new players while still owing the Dutchman millions in deferred wages.
It's a precarious situation with no party wanting to blink first. United feel emboldened by Ten Hag's close relationship with De Jong to remain in the hunt, even though every public display suggests he doesn't want to move to Old Trafford, so aren't prepared to walk away just yet. But there is the very real possibility that the window closes without United getting their man.
That prospect has led to increased anxiety among the fanbase and clamour for a replacement to be found instead, with Wolves' Ruben Neves and Youri Tielemans of Leicester City being two of the most highly touted names. Senior United sources have also suggested there are back-up options but Ten Hag has already made it clear that he only wants to sign the 'right' player and would instead develop someone already at the club to play De Jong's role if he can't get him.
"We are looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position," Ten Hag said last month, "but it has to be the right one. There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can’t find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position.
"I will not react on a certain player. We need the right player. We have a list and we qualify as the player who has the competence to play that role. We will strike the moment the player is available."
Scott McTominay and Fred currently appear to be Ten Hag's first choices for the holding midfield role, with the duo starting the majority of the friendlies including the loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday. It's almost certain that the pairing will remain in midfield come the opening match against Brighton.
But there are others who could take the role. Eriksen played in a double pivot on his remarkable return to football with Brentford last season, bringing creativity from deep. Donny van de Beek has looked tenacious in winning the ball back this summer. Zidane Iqbal has been the breakout star of pre-season with several composed cameos off the bench and James Garner looked sharp and capable when finally being able to start a match against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. If De Jong doesn't arrive, one of those players may be tasked with picking up the mantle.
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