Manchester United might have the perfect timeline for their dream midfield signing

The key to a successful transfer strategy is planning. Manchester United often start looking ahead to the next window as soon as one closes, drawing up a long list of potential targets into their bespoke database system.

In summers where United have planned well, they get their business done early and effectively. Last year, they added Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane to their squad following long pursuits and allowed a lapse in their approach to make an impromptu move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

In summers where United have planned poorly, they get their business done in a mad rush. A year ago, they signed four players on deadline day in the shape of Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles, Amad and Facundo Pellistri—none of whom have really been a success.

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This summer, the scrutiny will be even harsher as the Erik ten Hag regime begins, and the club are keen to prove they have changed for the better by getting him in as early as possible so that transfer planning can be accelerated.

Earlier this week, United's manager-in-waiting met with club officials in Amsterdam for a recruitment meeting, where he was joined by Mitchell Van der Gaag and Steve McClaren, two men set to join his backroom staff at Old Trafford.

At the top of their agenda will no doubt have been midfield options, with club sources previously admitting it is their 'biggest problem' ahead of the summer window.

Paul Pogba's exit, coupled with the unexpected departure of Nemanja Matic, has only further amplified the need for at least one new midfielder, while the preference would be for two, one who is a defensive specialist and another who can help them control matches