It appears that Manchester United are already enduring a frustrating transfer window, despite it still being June.
Reports in the 'Telegraph' today claim that Nemanja Matic, who is thought to be very close to a move to Old Trafford, was the club's third-choice midfield target this summer and that their failure to secure their priorities has pushed Joe Mourinho's side towards a move for the Serb.
'Telegraph Sport' claims that Tottenham's utility man Eric Dier was the Portuguese's first choice, with Roma's Radja Nainggolan his number two pick. However, with little to no progress made on a move for either player and with Chelsea now being prepared to sell Matic due to the imminent arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco, United have changed tack.
Chelsea have been trying to tie Matic down to a new contract for the best part of 18 months, but having failed to do so, are now prepared to listen to offers around the £40m mark for the player, who has just two years left on his contract and who turns 29 just before the start of the new season.