As July 1st arrives, the official date for player registry begins in their new surroundings begins.
For Manchester United, speculation continues to grow over a number of transfer targets, some which grow more likely by the day. This is particularly the case with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
Ramos' success at Madrid
Los Blancos' versatile defender has been a loyal servant in the Spanish capital for a decade now. Scoring 40 goals in 314 appearances, the 29 year-old has is one of the most prolific defenders in football and has been for some time. Aside from a few less well publicised ranglings off the pitch regarding contractual disputes, Ramos has performed day in, day out for Real.
With the departure of Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid boss however, Ramos has become irked and in terms of his status as a one of the last true Galacticos of their original mold, it is one which is very much in doubt, as the defender reportedly becomes unsettled at the Bernabeu.
Whether or not this rapidly developing story becomes anything more than a possibility - as it intensifies with 28m bid - remains to be seen and should be left for another day.
Where would Ramos fit
What should be posed is whether Sergio Ramos would fit into Louis Van Gaal's set-up at United. Could Ramos be the missing piece in The Red Devils defensive jigsaw?
Originally a right-back when Ramos moved from Sevilla in 2005, the Spanish world and two-time European champion evolved into a more natural centre-back in Madrid, especially now given the plethora of options afforded with a squad of the likes of Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Arbeloa and formerly Michel Salgado. For United to ponder, his flexibility will surely offer wider options in the Premier League.
In Louis Van Gaal's first term in charge, Antonio Valencia was deployed in the right- (wing)back role, with Rafael struggling to find full fitness. The Ecuadorian, more overly suited to a wide berth, was a tempered threat in defence and his ventures forward as a wing-back, a source of consternation for United fans.
So one has to ask; If Sergio Ramos was utilized on the right, what would be the difference? Sure, his defensive capabilities are heightened significantly, but his penchant for a rampaging run or a hopeful appearance in the opposition penalty, could present Van Gaal with a problem.
In the positional case of Marcos Rojo, the world saw his attacking exploits during the World Cup in the left-back department, in tandem with his compatriot and clubmate, Angel di Maria.
However, as Louis Van Gaal has opted to play Argentine, Rojo in a left-defensive berth in a back three, Rojo has struggled due to his height and lesser ability of being in a defensive partnership.
For a player clearly more suited to a left-back-cum-wing-back role, his talents have up to this point, been wasted.
Furthermore, as we have seen internationally in the Copa America this summer, is it possible that Rojo's position in the heart of defence is hindering not only his progress, but Di Maria also?
Di Maria's resurgence in Chile is in no small part down to Rojo. If United are to seriously consider a move for Ramos, Van Gaal will need to utilize the tools at his disposal in a more effective manner, which is simply not the case for his Argentinian defender.
Ramos could be utilized at centre-back then. But the quandry here is who to partner the Spaniard with? In the bigger picture, it would be naive to have a back line of Valencia, Ramos, Rojo and Luke Shaw. All four attacking; United may get goals out of it, but almost certainly defensive issues will arise.
Alternatively, Ramos could be partnered by the improving Chris Smalling or Phil Jones. That would of course still see Valencia on the right of the back four but whether that might be solid enough for Van Gaal's entrenched wing back ethos, United fans may have differing views. That situation may alter with the reported interest in Everton's Seamus Coleman.
Madrid defender unhappy in Spain?
For now, all suggestions that Manchester United may get their man are moot, but their is clear evidence that after a link to Barcelona was not refuted by the Real Madrid hierarchy, Sergio Ramos is not happy.
Cynics will say he is merely manufacturing better terms on his contract which, has two years left to run but with United having now bid £28m pounds - and with David De Gea's wish to go the other way - there are murmours is Spain that Manchester United may well have a shot at prizing Ramos away from Madrid.
If they do, whatever Sergio Ramos may or may not bring to the table, Louis Van Gaal and indeed Manchester United, may pull off one of their biggest transfer coups yet.