Tottenham insist that Harry Kane is not for sale this summer, but the truth is that every player has a price. We could be a lot closer to discovering it as Bayern Munich step up their interest in his signature.
Kane is arguably the greatest striker in the world right now, and it isn't totally ridiculous to suggest his 30 league goals for Tottenham last season were even more impressive than Erling Haaland's haul of 36 for Man City.
The 29-year-old is a consistent performer at a club that is anything but, and he could become even better at a club that operates as clinically as he does in front of goal.
United are operating on the basis that Kane won't be sold this summer, certainly not to them anyway, with Daniel Levy making it abundantly clear he has no interest in selling their best player to a domestic rival.
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Erik ten Hag identified Kane as his preferred target, but the Manchester Evening News revealed back in April that United are reluctant to "play games" with Levy, who is notorious for dragging out negotiations.
It means Bayern have a clear advantage in sealing his signature this summer, though that doesn't mean United should admit defeat; if anything, news of their interest should finally spur them into action.
United are in a difficult situation regarding their search for a striker, having been told that cheaper options such as Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani would both command huge fees as well.
Rather than being much cheaper alternatives to an elite striker, they are actually in a similar price range, meaning United might as well go for the very best they can, even if it means paying a little more.
The issue for United is the uncertainty that underpins all their activity this summer. Until there is clarity on the takeover situation, they must operate in a worst-case scenario and anticipate that they might only be able to spend towards the bottom end of their budget.
It doesn't mean missing out on Kane, though. Ten Hag has made it clear his priority is to sign a striker, and adding an elite one to the squad could have the most transformative impact on their fortunes.
There is a real belief that adding a world-class forward could be enough on its own to turn United into Premier League title challengers, something that cannot be said if they added just a midfielder or a goalkeeper instead.
Given the huge importance of doing so, there is therefore even an argument to suggest United spend the entirety of their summer budget on a move for a striker alone and then finance any other business through player sales.
So while there might be an appreciation that signing Kane is highly unlikely, United might as well do all they can to do so and at the very least rival Bayern with any bids for him.
Even if Levy insists he will not sell to a domestic rival, it is worth calling his bluff by tabling the biggest bid they can afford and making it clear that they are prepared to pay a club-record fee for the striker.
A move then might still be unlikely, but he is a player they can't give up on without at least putting up some sort of fight.
