The financial wealth of clubs in the Chinese Super League shows no signs of abating with news that Tianjin Quanjian are prepared to pay 90 million euros to secure the services of Chelsea's Diego Costa.
Despite having a 60m euro bid already rejected that hasn't put the money men off, and such an astronomical fee for a player who is 28 years of age will be hard to turn down.
In 2015/16, newly-promoted Hebei China Fortune were the name on everyone's lips with the signings of Lavezzi, Gervinho and M'Bia, but this year Tianjin Quanjian are ready to take their place.
Coached by Fabio Cannavaro, the club is willing to test the resolve of Roman Abramovich because they need to find a replacement for outgoing striker, and top scorer of the Chinese second division, Luis Fabiano.
The ex-Sevilla man leaves the club after helping them achieve promotion and at 36-years-old, his work is done.
Vanderlei Luxembourg had taken the reins but failed to make an impact at the club despite a cash injection of some 40m euros.
He was replaced mid-season by Cannavaro who has taken them up, but now the hard work really begins because, unless some top names can be secured, it will be a long, hard season for the league's newest members.