Manchester United pursue Gareth Bale and Neymar as deadline looms

The Daily Mail have an example showing Ed Woodward's task. He wants a galactico signing, and he only has seven days to pull one off. The most complicated transfers in the world, and Woodward has a week to do so. What a ridiculous situation United find themselves in.

The Mirror also now have the story that United bid £140 million for Neymar. It seems like Neymar might join United if he were sold by Barcelona, but they aren't keen to sell while they are under a transfer ban, and they would be far more likely to give Neymar a new contract, which he'd be happy to accept.

And that's it, really. No hints that anything serious is going on. No links to suggest the David de Gea situation will be resolved and a new 'keeper is ready. No central defender lined up to at least replace the hapless Jonny Evans. No wide player with pace. No number 10 with muscle. No striker with a first touch. Oh dear.