Manchester United are once again discovering how difficult life is in the transfer window.
Personal terms have been agreed with Mason Mount ahead of a move to Old Trafford with MEN Sport understanding the Chelsea man is determined to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. However, the sticking point has come in negotiating with his club.
The Blues have so far rejected three bids from United. The Reds have become frustrated about the hold-up and cite the ease in which Chelsea negotiated with Manchester City over Mateo Kovacic as the reason for their anger.
In case a deal for Mount cannot be pushed over the line, United are now considering their options. One alternative is Juventus' Adrien Rabiot.
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Reports suggest the French midfielder has been left surprised by the lack of interest in him so far this summer. His contract is up and it seems he will not be staying in Turin.
Pursuing Rabiot would not only be a cheap option for United but a smart one too. The 28-year-old enjoyed one of his best seasons in recent years as he notched 11 goals and six assists for Juve. However, there is a catch.
Rabiot's agent Veronique is also his mother and she has earned a reputation as a tough negotiator. MEN Sport understands PSG were relieved when the midfielder left the capital because they would not have to deal with Veronique again, even if she makes no apologies for being tough to deal with.
"The image of the child with his mother does not reflect reality at all," she told Ouest-France (via Marca). "I am an authoritarian person, it is true. But not what is described in the media.
"I think it [the media reputation] has to do with the fact that we don't talk to journalists enough. So they lament us. But I have a thick skin. I have nothing to prove, we have nothing to prove."
Clearly, she has the best interests of her son at heart but if United are targeting Rabiot they must be prepared for negotiations with the midfielder's camp to be tough, even if there is no club to deal with. The Reds know all about it after trying and failing in talks over the midfielder last year.
United have seen in the pursuits of Harry Kane and Mount, staunch opposition from a crucial decision maker. In those cases it is the club. Here, they will face an gent and mother who may not budge on her stance for her son. It will be United's job to try and get a deal over the line.
