Manchester United are facing an excruciating price wrangle in their bid to land Jadon Sancho - and Kai Havertz's transfer to Chelsea hasn't made it any easier for them.
United are understood to have made a breakthrough in their pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund winger, having reached an agreement over agents' fees and Sancho's personal terms.
However, the sticking point in negotiations is still the price, with Dortmund insistent they won't sell Sancho for less than €120million euros (£108m).
United have so far been unwilling to meet that price tag up front, and are understood to view the figure as unrealistic given the global financial impact of coronavirus.
However, the Red Devils have reportedly offered £90m plus £18m in performance-related add-ons - a figure which would break the transfer record for a British player.
That's according to a report from The Guardian, which claims United made the offer last month, having agreed personal terms believed to be worth around £250,000 per week to Sancho.
But that's where Havertz comes in.
While United's offer would ultimately meet Dortmund's valuation of Sancho - albeit over two or three seasons - the Bundesliga club believe they can hold out for more, given Chelsea signed Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in a £72.7m deal.
While attacking midfielder Havertz has scored 36 Bundesliga goals from 118 appearances, also posting 25 assists, Sancho has an even more impressive record.
The winger has 30 strikes from 78 games in the German top flight - having crucially also chipped in with 38 assists.
He also has three years left on his contract, so Dortmund are under no pressure to sell.
And unlike Leverkusen, they will compete in next season's Champions League, so can continue to offer their player the chance to showcase his talents on club football's biggest stage.
Should United meet Dortmund's asking price for Jadon Sancho? Have your say in the comments below
Sancho has reportedly told Dortmund he wants to join United - although it is understood he will not try to force through a move.
So the onus appears to be on United ahead of the October 5 transfer deadline to make an offer that Dortmund find acceptable.
