It didn't take long for the usual responses to follow news of RB Leipzig setting a deadline for Man City to complete a move for Josko Gvardiol.
City are still working on a deal to bring the 21-year-old defender to the club, but have been warned that they only have until mid-August for it to be close to completion.
It is understandable why Leipzig are trying to hurry up a sale, given they will need time to then go and sign a worthy replacement.
It is also understandable why City aren't just hurrying along a deal to get it done for the sake of it. As tedious as it might be for supporters to see transfer dealings drag on, it is the latest example of City asserting their authority on the transfer market and remaining in control of proceedings. Read next: Leipzig set deadline for Gvardiol transfer to City with replacement identified City have forged a reputation for being smooth operators, and if they want to stay on top, they must maintain those ruthless demands, even if it causes frustration amongst the fanbase.