Newcastle United have certainly endured a frustrating summer so far.
After the collapse of the of the £300million takeover from Amanda Staveley and the Saudi-backed PIF consortium, there's been a dark cloud over Tyneside.
Talks of a takeover is rumbling away behind the scenes, but in the foreground is the need to prepare for the new season.
It's less than two weeks until Steve Bruce's side get their Premier League campaign underway, and there's certainly work to be done.
Jeff Hendrick and Mark Gillespie have both joined this summer, but their business is far from done.
With such uncertainty over the club's ownership it seems that funds will be somewhat limited, meaning that free transfers and loan deals will be the priority.
One player who has been linked is Rob Holding.
The Arsenal man has seemingly fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium leading to speculation that he could leave the club on loan in search of first team opportunities.
Reports have claimed that Newcastle are in talks over a move, and according to Kevin Phillips, it's a deal that ticks a lot of boxes for the Tynesiders.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said: "I think he would be a smart signing.
“I have see him play very well but he has also been frustrating and made the odd mistake. He is still young though and given the pressures of playing for Arsenal you are going to make mistakes. I think it could be a good move for the kid.
“I think Arsenal would let him go for the right price because it would free up some funds for Arteta. I do not see Holding as a long-term Arsenal player. If they could get him out of the door for the right kind of money then I think they probably would.
“It would be a fantastic move for him. He has a lot of Premier League experience and he has played for a big club in big games. That would be a very good signing.”
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This would be a great signing for Newcastle United.
While a centre-back is probably not the biggest priority for Steve Bruce's side, there's no doubt of the qualities that Rob Holding would bring.
A solid defender and comfortable on the ball, the Arsenal man would slot straight into the Newcastle defence and will immediately bring a level of composure to the back line which is not there currently.
What that deal would mean for the other defenders at the club, remains to be seen.
It may be the case that they can be sold in order to bring funds to the club - something that could be good news for supporters as they look for more offensive options during this window.