Adrien Rabiot's move to Manchester United is getting closer after the Red Devils agreed on a transfer fee of £20million with Serie A giants Juventus.
The Frenchman is no stranger to controversy and plenty have questioned whether signing such a divisive character is exactly what the United dressing room needs right now. However, boss Erik ten Hag looks likely to push on and get the deal over the line after contacting the player directly to thrash out the details surrounding personal terms.
This may not exactly be smooth sailing, considering Rabiot's mother Veronique is also his agent and is famed for being a difficult figure to negotiate with.
In preparation for official confirmation, Mirror Football has taken a look at the potential shirt numbers Rabiot could don once he is unveiled to the United faithful.
13 - Unlucky for some, but 13 is currently the lowest available squad number Rabiot could take on at United. Last worn by barely-used goalkeeper Lee Grant, it would certainly get much more use on the back of Rabiot.
The 13 shirt has seen better days though, having previously been donned by Old Trafford cult hero and South Korean international Ji-sung Park.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Which number will Rabiot wear at Man Utd? Comment below
15 - Andreas Pereira's recent move to Fulham means that 15 is now up for grabs, but after the Brazilian midfielder underwhelmed in the shirt Rabiot may want to steer clear.
18 - Up until this summer, 18 was the shirt number of one of United's most important players in Bruno Fernandes but the Portugal midfielder took Juan Mata's vacant number eight instead at the start of this season.
Rabiot has previously worn this number while on international duty with France, so this could be one to keep an eye on.
21 - Many expected summer-signing Christian Eriksen to take the 21 shirt given it is the same number he wore during his six-month stint at Brentford last season, but the Denmark international instead opted for 14 upon making his move to United.
The number 21 has been a particularly active number as of late, with Edinson Cavani taking the shirt after initially donning the seven but voluntarily giving it up so Cristiano Ronaldo could continue his legacy with it.
Frenkie de Jong views 21 as his preferred shirt number and there is a chance the United hierarchy may wish to keep it free in case the Dutchman signs.
24 - Rabiot has worn the 25 shirt for the last five seasons of his career and while it is thought to be his dream number, it is currently occupied by United's £73m-man Jadon Sancho.
However, 24 is still vacant and Rabiot could view that shirt as the next best option.
31 - Hardly a glamorous shirt number, 31 has been previously worn by Rabiot at club level during his debut campaign at Paris Saint-Germain.
Last donned by veteran midfielder Nemanja Matic at Old Trafford, Rabiot would be a more than worthy successor.
