The second day of the summer transfer window brought the shock news one of Newcastle United's biggest targets had opted for a move elsewhere. Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo - an attacker St James' Park chiefs have admired for a while - now looks destined to join Manchester United instead.
No offers had been put to Brentford from Newcastle's side but talks had taken place between intermediaries. Instead, it appears the player favours an Old Trafford switch.
Heads have been scratched over that particular preference, with plenty of aggrieved Newcastle supporters questioning how a team who finished 15th in the Premier League, with a plethora of off the field issues, could win the race for such a popular talent. However, the chance to restore Red Devils to former glory, admittedly, must be enticing.
That's not to mention the wage capabilities in the red half of Manchester. Matheus Cunha is said to have doubled his salary by making the move from Wolves to Manchester United in recent days.
Meanwhile, Chronicle Live this week reported [Mbeumo's representatives were seeking to quadruple his current £45,000 Brentford salary.](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-talks-targets-after-31774175) Post-takeover Newcastle, however, have always sought to avoid spiralling salary costs.
Added frustration stems due to the fact Mbeumo's move follows both Cunha choosing Manchester United and Chelsea landing £30m man Liam Delap after his relegation with Ipswich Town; two other attackers Newcastle had been linked with.
There will naturally be fear that such a standing start to the summer window will harm Newcastle's trading plan - and chances of improving Eddie Howe's squad. Especially given the boss last month publicly spoke of 'acting quickly' in the summer market.
However, history suggests Newcastle will overcome this minor setback and be all the better for it further down the line. Do not be surprised if they find their next Mbeumo-level target with ease.
In windows gone by, similar rejection has been witnessed - and ultimately overcome. Missing out on Diego Carlos, who eventually joined Aston Villa, led to Sven Botman arriving at St James' Park. The inability to tempt Lucas Paqueta from Lyon saw Sandro Tonali arriving on these shores.
Hugo Ekitike snubbed Newcastle's advances in 2022, with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes arriving soon after. The list could go on.
To add, some of United's top targets of recent windows - most cherry-picked by chief scout Steve Nickson - have proved to be incredible shouts. Ekitike stands out after his recent Bundesliga exploits, along with Champions League winner Desire Doue, Atalanta midfielder Ederson, Championship record-breaker James Trafford and England's own Marc Guehi.
The blueprint for the summer has been rubber-stamped some time ago, with a small, select pool of players targeted - regardless of which competition Newcastle booked their place in. Mbeumo may have opted for a move elsewhere but there will be plenty of other exciting options who see St James' Park as the ideal destination to continue their career.
So, yes, the Brentford winger joining Manchester United will be a blow. His statistics this past season alone prove he is the real deal.
But after only a matter of hours into the first of two separate, summer trading periods, patience is needed. After three successive windows of limited spending, Newcastle will right that wrong before September.