Earlier this month Manchester United received a blow to their transfer hopes which could be seen from a mile off.
With the feel-good factor which surrounds Brighton and Hove Albion and Evan Ferguson's relatively unknown potential, it was unsurprising to see the teenager sign a new, long-term deal in Sussex. The news could arguably be seen as a blessing in disguise for the Reds as it gives them longer to become a force which can attract the likes of Ferguson.
Brighton's chief executive Paul Barber has even admitted the 19-year-old's future could be away from the Amex. "At some point in the future, Evan's gonna be playing at an even higher level if his trajectory continues as it is," Barber told Soccerex TV. "We want to make sure that we do everything we can to prepare him for that - not just on the field, but off the field as well, give him as much support as we can."
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Such news will be music to the ears of fans who will hope their club will be near the front of the queue. However, if United are going to be the club who snaps up one of the hottest prospects in the Premier League they must learn from their former scout Marcel Bout's warning.
In a blistering attack earlier this week, Bout gave a damning indictment of United's recruitment policy. "I have been critical (of United) internally," he told Algemeen Dagblad.
"A major annoyance was the long lines (delays) within United to make decisions about interesting players. Other top European clubs now have top players that we had seen early on with the scouting staff."
If United are to sign Ferguson, they will need to be more efficient when they make their move. The Reds will not be the only team wanting the centre forward so the ability to move quickly will be essential.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrives, the overhaul of the recruitment department must be carried out to solve this current issue or United can may as well kiss goodbye to signing Ferguson.
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