Manchester United have had to overcome problem after problem as they look to add to their midfield ranks.
The signing of Ederson from Atalanta was negotiated swiftly enough, but since then, the Red Devils have not had as smooth a ride as INEOS would have liked.
Moves for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali fell through due to the costs involved, with the club currently focusing on landing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
The Portugal international is keen to join and play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes, but the Hammers have proven to be a tough nut to crack.
Add Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid to the mix, and the 20-time English league champions cannot afford to put all their eggs in the same basket.