Manchester United's pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is entering another week, with the two clubs having yet to agree on a transfer fee. The Bees rejected United's initial offer worth £45million plus £10m in add-ons and are reportedly demanding a guaranteed £60m.
As the saga continues further, discontent grows among the fanbase as the Red Devils' rivals continue to strengthen efficiently and widen the gap. There have been some suggestions that Ruben Amorim should move on to alternative targets if Brentford don't adjust their demands. However, former United striker Louis Saha has urged the club to pay up and ensure they don't miss out.
"It is a difficult one. It is a lot of money to consider. I'm sure Mbeumo has no say in the £60m price tag," Saha told Express Sport.
"But if he can put pressure on his agent [to seal a deal], if he's that type of player, then I'd say please sign him, even for £60m.
"Because we want players, whatever the price, who want to sacrifice, who want to play for United, who want to play for the badge, not because he's got a bigger salary.
"I don't want any player who comes with an ego, claiming they are the stars or here to be the saviour. I'm looking for someone humble who is willing to make sacrifices."
United have three options other than their current attempts to strike a deal for less than Mbeumo's price tag reads.
The first is to match Brentford's asking price to ensure Mbeumo is through the door before Amorim welcomes his players back for a crucial pre-season.
While United may consider parting ways with £60m as overpaying, it's understandable how Brentford want a similar fee as the £62.5m paid for Matheus Cunha.
Option two is to explore alternatives while attempting to reach a compromise with Mbeumo's club.
Eberechi Eze, Antoine Semenyo and Xavi Simons are all reportedly targets should a swoop for the 25-year-old fail to materialise.
However, United could run into the same issues regarding the asking prices for all three players.
Amorim's final option is to settle for Cunha and shift his transfer focus onto other areas amid his reported desire for a striker and central midfielder.
Such a move could also pressure Brentford to ease their negotiation position if it appears as if they may miss out on a club-record payday.
There is expected to be increased movement on the transfer front from all clubs beyond July 1 when the new financial year begins and PSR pressures ease.