In football, time waits for nobody, especially in the transfer window.
Manchester United have made a breakthrough in their drawn out pursuit of Mason Mount. The Englishman was Erik ten Hag's top midfield target and a deal for the 24-year-old has now been agreed.
Chelsea were stubborn with their price tag while United were unwilling to pay over the odds for a player with one year left on his deal. Mount wanted out and that played into United's favour.
While supporters may argue a new midfielder was not top of the priority list, landing Ten Hag's number-one pick is a strong start to the window. However, the signing of Mount is unlikely to dictate their season if they do not strengthen in the most obvious areas.
READ MORE: Manchester United to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea after agreeing £60million fee
Signing a new goalkeeper has become a growing priority as June has progressed. David de Gea is out of contract in less than 36 hours with no agreement reached on a new deal.
MEN Sport reported that United are yet to make a final decision on the Spaniard's future. All indicators point towards his 12 years at Old Trafford coming to an abrupt end.
The MEN revealed in May there were doubts over De Gea's No.1 role at United next season and senior figures at the club want to move on from the Spaniard. United have started exploring options to sign a new first-choice 'keeper and that is now critical to their chances for next season.
Dean Henderson is still expecting to join Nottingham Forest in a permanent transfer. The English goalkeeper reported to the training complex early as he continues his rehabilitation from a thigh injury.
De Gea's situation is likely to delay any deal, while reports state United have blocked Tom Heaton from joining Luton Town. The former Burnley goalkeeper will be their only fit, senior goalkeeper come July 1 unless there is a miraculous U-turn with De Gea.
Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana has emerged as an obvious successor having worked with Ten Hag at Ajax previously. David Raya is the other high-profile goalkeeper on the market and United could have a free run at him with Tottenham Hotspur moving on after their initial interest.
Of course, the other obvious hole in the squad remains up front. United's interest in Harry Kane subsided after Spurs' refused to sell him this summer, despite Bayern Munich's bid earlier this week.
Forwards cost the most money, especially when it's Manchester United that come calling. That was underlined by Atalanta's eye-watering price tag for Rasmus Hojlund.
Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani remains under consideration. United know they can't move forward with their current striking options.
Wout Weghorst was only a stop-gap and will return to Burnley. Any hopes of Anthony Martial revitalising his Old Trafford career have been ended by his injury record.
Mount is an important part of the puzzle for Ten Hag but they can't complete the jigsaw without two match-winners at their end of the pitch. Without new bookends, United's story under the Dutchman will not progress to a happy ending.
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