Kewell is a case in point. Arsenal are talking about a swap deal for him involving Ray Parlour or Francis Jeffers, but would Leeds be better to wait to see where the Beckham millions will be directed?
United and Arsenal also want both goalkeeper Robinson and defender Mexes, a swift move now from the Gunners could leave United adrift in their Beckham distraction.
Ronaldinho is another player in limbo. A long-term target for Ferguson, the midfielder is also believed to be a target for Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle.
As part of the Beckham agreement struck with new Barca president Joan Laporta, it is believed to be a condition the Catalans will pull out of the race for the Brazilian. With profits of £30.9m at the last count, United don't have to sell Beckham, but the case for his departure is growing.
United have a fixed head count for their squad and a related figure for wages. Should they try to sign Kewell or Ronaldinho before selling Beckham, that would jeopardise this wage structure.
Also, key directors are understood to be furious at reports of secret talks between the player's SFX advisers and Madrid. Fearful that the 28-year-old could walk out for nothing when his contract runs out in two years, their reaction triggered United's agreement with Laporta.
There is now a growing acceptance that Beckham must go and go soon. United are determined to ensure the deal is done by the time they leave for their US tour on 19 July. Ironically, United play Barcelona in the last of four matches in the States.
Beckham's presence on that tour would become a huge distraction from selling the club to America. Even though Beckham prefers Madrid to Barcelona, the pressure for a quick sale would appear to favour the Catalan club.
Madrid have a reputation for stalling over transfers and have already tried to propose a player-swap, possibly involving Luis Figo. United insist they only want cash.
Barcelona have a basic cash deal on the table, plus completing the Laporta deal could also mean Barca striker Kluivert going to Old Trafford (thought to be a second condition of the agreement) along with the eased route to Ronaldinho.
The problem for Barcelona is that Beckham is currently refusing to talk to them.
There are also rumours that he will seek a £5m-plus pay-off from United, as he has not sought a move and negotiations for his current United contract took a year and more than 20 meetings. And Madrid haven't agreed a fee yet.
This one still has some time to run, or has it? The Beckham saga rumbles on.
