It seemed all for the world that Manchester United fans would encounter a nightmare summer transfer window this time last month. The Red Devils were struggling to agree on a fee with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo and the lengthy negotiations were frustrating the fanbase.
Fast forward a month and United are making moves in the market after sealing Mbeumo's arrival for £71m arrival. They are now favourites to sign RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko, looking likely to beat Newcastle United to his signature.
Sesko shouldn't be the only target that the Reds ensure doesn't move elsewhere before the window closes and the season gets underway. There are two players who could be making switches that INEOS can't afford to miss out on.
Man United plotting to hijack Ipswich Town's Hayden Hackney deal
While Ruben Amorim is set to be handed a new frontline come next season there's still glaring issues with his midfield. The Reds can get overrun in the middle of the park as seen during the impressive 4-1 win over Bournemouth and 0-0 draw with Leeds United in pre-season friendlies.
Casemiro, 33, isn't getting any younger and doesn't have the pace required for a Premier League midfield duo. The Brazilian can help the youth at Old Trafford but shouldn't be relied upon as a regular starter come next season.
One market opportunity that has surfaced is Hayden Hackney who could soon be on the move to Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys have had a £20m bid accepted for the 23-year-old but he's aware that other clubs are interested.
Manchester United are reportedly one of those and are considering making a last-ditch attempt to hijack Ipswich's deal, per GIVEMESPORT. It's said that the Reds and Tottenham Hotspur have admired the England U21 international for quite some time.
Hackney could be an excellent acquisition at a fee that doesn't eat too much into INEOS' budget. A new midfielder is a must have and he'll bring a ton of energy alongside a lot of potential to lock down a midfield berth alongside Kobbie Mainoo for years to come.
West Ham make offer for Man United target Victor
Manchester United's goalkeeping situation is of interest amid Andre Onana's ongoing hamstring injury. The Cameroonian has sat out the club's pre-season tour of the USA so far and might not be available until the Premier League curtain raiser against Arsenal (August 17).
Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor has been on the Red Devils' radar for quite some time and seemed a perfect solution even before Onana's injury. Altay Bayindir has done himself no favours as a backup option and the Brazilian shot-stopper will have been the best option to compete with an under-fire Onana.
Fabrizio Romano reports that West Ham United have made a bid worth around £6.9m (€8m) to sign Victor. The Italian journalist mentioned that the Reds had previously "monitored" the 29-year-old while Galatasaray and Everton are also keen.
If that's the fee that Botafogo are prepared to sell Victor for then INEOS should pounce before it's too late. He starred at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this summer and has the experience needed to not only battle for the number one jersey but make it his own.
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