Transfer spending in the Premier League has reached £500M ($778M) this summer, £335M ($521M) "short of last summer's total with four weeks until the transfer deadline," according to the BBC.
Raheem Sterling's move to Man City for an initial fee of £44M ($68.5M) "has been the highest so far."
ManU Manager Louis van Gaal "has hinted at a 'surprise' signing" despite spending £83M ($129M) already.
Football finance expert Rob Wilson: "A new record is likely as clubs look to benefit from the new TV deal."
In addition to Van Gaal's "surprise," Premier League champion Chelsea is "reportedly interested in Everton's John Stones," with a £26M ($40.5M) bid turned down, while Man City has been "linked with Wolfsburg's Kevin De Bruyne" -- all deals which could substantially increase the current figure.
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson said, "I think Manchester United are going to go massive on someone again, they need a center-forward." Wilson said that although a new record "looks set to be broken this summer, he thinks that clubs' net spend might be down as they seek to stay within Financial Fair Play rules."
Wilson: "Manchester United have spent £83 million this summer, which is fairly reasonable after spending £59.7 million on Angel Di Maria last season" (BBC, 8/3).
