Chelsea's patience is being tested as they await the outcome of talks between Leeds United and Barcelona over the transfer of Raphinha.
The Stamford Bridge club agreed a fee of £55m plus add-ons last week but Barcelona, the player's preferred destination, countered with an offer on Thursday.
Leeds have still to accept that offer as it is understood to amount to £51m paid in instalments of £17.2m. Players have also been mooted in exchange.
Chelsea, who expect a Barcelona approach for left-back Marcos Alonso, will not wait too long as they have other targets to pursue rather than be dragged into another saga.
They are advancing in talks for Raheem Sterling at Manchester City and are ready to talk to Ousmane Dembele's agent Moussa Sissoko with the Barcelona forward now a free agent.
Christian Pulisic, however, is understood to be in no rush to leave after talks with Juventus over a potential cash plus player swap for Matthijs de Ligt.
With the choice of attacking transfer targets, it is evident that coach Thomas Tuchel is considering a return to the 4-3-3 formation he used so effectively at Borussia Dortmund and Pulisic has the flexibility to fit into that system as well as the one used by Chelsea last season.
Meanwhile, Leeds are continuing discussing with Bruges over a deal for Charles de Ketelaere and with Red Bull Leipzig over a loan for Tyler Adams but the Bundesliga side say they have interest in the USA international from Everton also.
They are also speaking to teenage forward Sonny Perkins who has officially left West Ham after rejecting a contract there. Aston Villa and Spurs are also keen on Perkins.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are willing to sell Memphis Depay to fund a move for the Leeds winger, according to reports in Spain.
The Dutch forward fell down the pecking order in the second-half of last season due to injuries and January signings made by the club.
Depay has this week been told he's no longer part of Xavi's plans for next season as reported by Marca.