Can Manchester United afford to do business this summer market without the influence of Jorge Mendes?
If the relationship between the Portuguese super agent and United manager Louis van Gaal is indeed beyond repair, can the club's rebuilding plans involve future transfer windows without Mendes' clients? And, just as importantly, can United compete with rivals which enjoy the same relationship as they once had during Sir Alex Ferguson's time in charge.
Here's five of Mendes' top liners United can kiss goodbye if the problems cannot be solved:
CRISTIANO RONALDO (REAL MADRID)
The latest coming from Spain is that Ronaldo can be signed this summer for a knockdown €65 million. It has been claimed the source of Mendes' feud with Van Gaal stemmed from him offering Ronaldo to the Dutchman in January, only to receive a short, sharp negative response. Significantly, in recent days Ronaldo is being linked with Manchester City, where Sheikh Mansour remains a committed fan. It's understood Ronaldo still has a contract tabled by City hanging on a wall at home.
JOAO MOUTINHO (AS MONACO)
Jorge Mendes doesn't just place players at clubs, he also helps build teams. It was his influence at Monaco which saw them recruit Radamel Falcao, Ricardo Carvalho and Joao Moutinho. And after their success against Arsenal, ASM are preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal. Moutinho was a favourite of Ferguson's when with Sporting CP, but a move to United, in the present situation, is far from likely.
WILLIAM CARVALHO (SPORTING CP)
United are screaming out for a mobile, defensive midfielder and William Carvalho is among the best available. But he won't be going to Old Trafford this summer. The 22 year-old was the subject of a cash-plus-player offer from Arsenal 18 months ago. But he could follow former Sporting coach Leonardo Jardim to AS Monaco for next season.
JAMES RODRIGUEZ (REAL MADRID)
Another young ace who Mendes placed at AS Monaco before moving him onto Real Madrid. For many, he was the star of last summer's World Cup with Colombia and is a player every major Premier League manager would love to work with. His Real deal, currently, is rock solid, but with the English clubs now armed with the cash power of a record TV deal, anything is possible. Though, not for United. If he is to eventually leave Madrid, Chelsea or Manchester City would be natural destinations for this exciting talent.
RUBEN NEVES (PORTO)
Regarded as the brightest talent in Portugal for his age, it just broke last week that Neves had signed with Mendes' Gestifute company. Just 18, Neves has been likened to Barcelona ace Sergi Busquets and is regarded as the best, young holding midfielder in the game today. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers rates Neves highly and has had the teen scouted extensively this season. Has become a first-choice for Porto coach Julen Lopetegui and recently penned a new deal to 2017, which included a €40 million buyout clause.
PART I - The LVG v Mendes blow-up: Can Man Utd afford to indulge Van Gaal in his Mendes feud?