It's being whispered, but there's a growing conviction that Jadon Sancho will join Manchester United this summer.
Sancho, like Wesley Sneijder, Nico Gaitan, and Ezequiel Garay, risked being lumped in with Wesley Sneijder, Nico Gaitan, and Ezequiel Garay as a result of the constant coverage of his failed transfer a year ago, with United eventually raising concerns about the overall cost of such a deal in the midst of a global financial crisis.
After eight months, the Borussia Dortmund star is back on United's radar, with talks between the two clubs already ongoing to assess the possibilities of a transfer.
The Premier League transfer market officially opens on Wednesday, and in 12 weeks, we'll be able to assess how far United has progressed off the field under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United are preparing to make at least three signings in the coming months, with the club presently preparing to go 'all out to recruit a new center-back, with the hope of that player being Harry Maguire's first-choice partner from next season.
Investment at right-back is also high on the agenda, thanks to a revived interest in Kieran Trippier, and the club isn't ruling out the possibility of bringing in a new striker or midfielder, both of whom are long-term worries for Solskjaer.
Given that he is somewhat of a luxury buy, but also one who ticks every single box in terms of a potential new recruit, the arrival of a world-class teenager like Sancho would perhaps be the biggest indication of intent out of all the choices.
When Joel Glazer appeared on a fans' forum on Friday, he reaffirmed that Solskjaer will be supported in the transfer market this summer, and the understanding is that Dortmund are open to moving their star winger, but only if a club fulfills their valuation of the player.
Dortmund had requested £108 million for Sancho a year ago, and they wanted a deal done before the start of pre-season training. United has often said that a nine-figure price during a pandemic-affected transfer window is unfeasible. Discussions became stalled as neither side was willing to compromise, and an agreement was never close to being achieved.
If reasonable offers aren't made this time, United might face a recurrence of last summer's situation, but the club will very certainly structure any sale so that a large lump amount is accompanied by additional add-on payments to match the valuation.
The fact that a deal isn't imminent has been underlined, but if United are serious about their desire this summer, they may need to speed up their plans, despite the European Championship starting on Friday.
A strong showing for England in the tournament may quickly re-establish Sancho's status as the world's hottest young winger, resulting in more demand in his services.
Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and cash-strapped Barcelona, have all been linked with a bid for the Dortmund Wideman.
United are still in the driver's seat, but if they spend too much time debating a bid and sweating the small print, they risk missing out on a player who is largely regarded as the ideal attacking addition.
Many fans were worried when the transfer window closed last October that United would lose the chance to sign Sancho, but now they have a chance to make amends.
They will, however, need to act quickly.
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