The wheels are in motion as Manchester United look to make their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Despite continued uncertainty regarding the takeover situation, United are pushing ahead with a deal to sign Mason Mount and could shortly submit an improved bid for his signature.
It is encouraging that Erik ten Hag is being backed to sign a player he admires so much, but United must also proceed with an element of caution given the unclear state of play this summer.
It is understood that United's opening offer for Mount was somewhere in the region of £40million, while Chelsea value their academy graduate closer to the £70m mark.
Read next: United owners aren't doing what they promised in takeover talks
Mount has made it clear he has no desire of signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge and is keen on a move to United this summer, so there is real hope a deal can be completed early in the window.
There is optimism that both clubs will be able to meet somewhere in the middle and United could well look to make up a sizeable chunk of the deal by offering performance related add-ons.
A deal in the region of £50m would represent a fair price for both clubs, but United need to make sure they remain stubborn during talks and don't cave into Chelsea's excessive demands for a player who is out of contract in a year's time.
United have been guilty of overpaying for players in the past and given they don't know much money will be available this summer, it is crucial that they don't rush into a deal just to get it completed quickly.
United's summer budget will depend on selling players, no matter what happens with the takeover, in order to boost the transfer budget as well as meet financial fair play regulations.
That mitigation makes spending lots of money on a new midfielder a risk given that their hopes of signing an elite striker might then rely on finding buyers for a number of squad players first.
Ten Hag is keen on a move for Mount as he looks to ease the team's reliance on Christian Eriksen, with the 24-year-old viewed as a player who can contribute to both the attacking and defensive duties in midfield.
The Chelsea midfielder also ticks the box of being a long-term investment but one who can crucially make an immediate impact and who will bring added experience to the side.
Mount is not a player who will completely transform the United side, though he would be a notable upgrade on their current back-up options, so there needs to be real caution with how the transfer is broached.
United's priority has to remain the addition of a proven goalscorer this summer and until any takeover is completed they must not get distracted by strengthening other areas of the squad instead.
There is even an argument that signing a midfielder should be third on the list of priorities, behind both a striker and a goalkeeper, and that they shouldn't spend such a huge amount on Mount until those other areas are taken care of.
It means they must set a strict limit to the fee they would be willing to spend on Mount and ensure that it does not limit what other business they might be able to do this summer.
United's wishlist is already Mounting up.
Read more:
