One of the longest sagas of the summer looks like it could finally be set to end very soon, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on course to complete his dream move to Manchester United.
The Red Devils are keen to add new recruits to their squad after their dismal 2018/19 Premier League campaign which saw them finish down in sixth position, resulting in a failure to secure Champions League football.
They've already been busy in the market by adding Swansea City & Wales youngster Daniel James for a fee believed to be around £18m and more are expected to follow suit.
Right-back has been a real problem position for United in recent seasons with the injury prone Antonio Valencia and utility man Ashley Young struggling to produce the consistency required to make the role their own. So Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified a specialist in this area as one of his top priorities and it looks like he's going to have to pay top dollar to land his first choice target.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is that man and despite being just 21 years of age and having just 42 Premier League appearances under his belt, he looks like the man for the job.
Since graduating from Crystal Palace's academy he's quietly gone about establishing himself as one of the top flights finest young prospects. Learning from experienced former England boss Roy Hodgson, he's quickly developing into the ultimate modern day full-back.
He can attack, defend and he's picking up more invaluable experience week-on-week. Prospects like this don't come around too often and when they do, you have to pay top dollar to prize them away from their club. Something which Manchester United are going to do.
One way or another United's interest in the 21 year-old has become public knowledge, with Palace already rejecting two bids for him. United are believed to have offered up to £50m, £35m up front and £15m in achievable add-ons which would equal Kyle Walker's record breaking move from Manchester City to Tottenham - which remains the highest figure paid for a full-back.
Palace are under no pressure to sell him as he's still under contract for another three years, so they've been demanding a figure around the £60m mark, with £50m of it to be paid upfront - something that United were unwilling to meet.
But now it appears that the two clubs have reached something of a compromise. United's desperation for new talent and the sheer size of the club will mean they're always going to have to pay a premium for new talent and it looks like they're going to do so with AWB.
An initial fee of £42.5m is being mooted by the Daily Mail, with a further £12.5m in add-ons which could take the deal to £55m which would set a new world record for a full-back - huge money.
It's a big gamble by United to sign someone so young and inexperienced when the club are going through a such a big transitional period. But on the flip side, if he goes onto be a success he could potentially be their right-back for the next 10+ years. £5.5m a season doesn't sound too bad at all.
The signs are promising for this one so MUFC fans, you could soon be celebrating transfer no.2 very soon...
