It's a fine line Manchester United are trying to tread at the moment, and one that is partly of their own making. They're finding it's harder to shred a reputation in the transfer market than it is to gain one.
For too long they have been considered a soft touch when it comes to deals and they've undoubtedly contributed to that perception in recent years. Club chiefs talk of a 'United tax' when it comes to transfers and there is an element of that, but there's also a feeling that clubs believe they can be fleeced.
As one of the most famous clubs in the world, United sells. They get linked with hundreds of players every summer, the majority of them when there is smoke but no fire. Agents will use their name to flush out interest elsewhere in their client or earn a deal at their existing club.
