Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was always going to bag one marquee arrival irrespective of the club's takeover - but recruitment is now set to take a hit.
The Dutchman has just seen Mason Mount complete his move from Chelsea in what is his first summer signing. The two Premier League rivals had been haggling over a price for several weeks with the Red Devils ending up paying more than they would've liked.
That business was being done amid continued uncertainty over the club's future with the Glazers potentially selling up. The Athletic reports that agents were given the impression one major transfer wouldn't be an issue, but any after that would have to wait for clarity on the ownership.
United and Ten Hag have several areas they want to strengthen after a promising first season in charge. A prolific striker is on their shortlist whilst David de Gea's potential departure could also force the club into the market for a new No 1 with the likes of Andre Onana on their radar.
Ten Hag is thought to have a £120m transfer budget at Old Trafford, which is largely down to UEFA's FFP regulations prohibiting their spending. Half of that has now been spent on Mount despite their interest in players like Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who will command a huge fee.
Much of their summer business is now likely to rest on the conclusion of their takeover. The Glazers stated last year that they were exploring their options, which included selling the club. Several buyers have come forward with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe the two left in the race.
Their offers are built differently with the Qatari aiming for a complete takeover whilst Ratcliffe is happy to keep the Glazers on for a period before eventually buying them out. Concern is mounting among United fans however that their American owners may remain at Old Trafford.
If the issue is not resolved in the coming weeks though it could have a major impact on Ten Hag and his team, who want to build on their third place finish whilst they are also back in the Champions League after a year away.
After the FA Cup final the United boss said: "I have only one plan: that is to improve this club and to improve this team. I will fight for [it]. I have my ideas and I already told the club what we have to do for that. But I have to work with my staff, with my players to be better next season. I think in this moment, I don't want to discuss [the takeover]. It's about finalising the season."
