Jack Grealish appears to be closing in on a big-money summer transfer to Manchester - albeit to the blue side.
It's been a hugely successful window for Manchester United as they prepare to officially unveil Raphael Varane on the back of ending their long-term Jadon Sancho pursuit.
However, as neighbours and Premier League champions Manchester City issue their high-profile response, it feels like a case of what might have been for United.
Under different circumstances last summer, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it could have easily been at Old Trafford where England playmaker Grealish ultimately pitched up.
His stock has undoubtedly risen since then, though, after a notable return for Aston Villa last season and, of course, his Euro 2020 exploits.
City have, this afternoon, been credited with launching a £100million bid for the Villa talisman.
But how has that breaking news landed on the red side of this footballing city? Here are a selection of social media comments from United supporters about the Grealish bid;
@slimfitukeje said: "We made a huge mistake by not signing him when we had the chance."
@TheUnitedLatest posted: "It will be a sad day once Jack Grealish becomes a City player. Always followed Villa games just to watch him play. One of the most exciting players in English football right now. We all know he likes United, but it just wasn't meant to be."
@Dre_UTD added: "I have said it before and I still believe it, Grealish was born to play for Manchester United. It's such a shame if City manage to get him."
@loverridge7 said: "I am 100 per cent sure if you said to Grealish you could go to Man United or Man City, it's his choice, he'd choose United."
@fhjg_kl posted: "One player I always hoped United would sign. He deserves a big move - it's just a shame it's to THAT team instead."
@MerlinUnited added: "What I'm worried about is Pep [Guardiola] bringing in Grealish to add those variations to his play. I'm not saying he's a Messi, nobody is, but like now, he had players around who could keep the ball until the sun goes down. When opponents lose focus, Grealish can attack them with something different."
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