Manchester United and bitter rivals Liverpool are set to battle it out over an England international midfielder's signature in the summer transfer window.
Scott path clears
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is poised to head back to the UK after receiving a call-up for England's pre-World Cup friendlies under Thomas Tuchel, reports the Mirror. Scott was among several players whisked off to the US by the England manager this week, alongside Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha, Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Fulham prospect Josh King. Following the wrap-up of England's pre-tournament matches, Scott is expected to leave the England setup, which could prove encouraging for United's transfer business.
That comes after The Athletic revealed United will steer clear of the £120million bidding war for Elliot Anderson and will instead concentrate on more achievable targets. According to the report, Bournemouth playmaker Scott, whose step-sister Maya Le Tissier leads United's women's side, and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes both fit that category, with each player likely to command around the £80million mark.
There's an argument that Scott's return from the United States will allow him and his representatives to hold talks over a summer move. More crucially, the player himself would now be free to undergo a medical should United and Bournemouth reach an agreement over a fee. That isn't necessarily true for players at the World Cup, whose availability for such procedures are controlled by the medical teams of their respective nations. The Cherries handed Bristol City approximately £25million to secure Scott's services in the summer of 2023. The 22-year-old has since demonstrated he can cut it at Premier League level, with new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also being linked with a swoop for the player, meaning United may need to act swiftly.
Carrick's squad are on the verge of unveiling a new midfielder already after striking a £39million agreement to bring in Ederson from Atalanta, although his transfer is now set to be postponed following his late World Cup selection for the Brazil squad.
Lens star attracting United bid
A third midfielder being linked with a switch to Old Trafford is Lens' Mamadou Sangare. And a transfer could be on the cards after Foot Mercato reported United are prepared to table a £35m bid for the player. That's the valuation placed on the 23-year-old following a standout season in Ligue 1. Nevertheless, it's suggested the eventual transfer sum could prove even steeper.
Lens have fallen foul of their own achievements after claiming the Coupe de France for the first time and securing second place in France's premier division. Boss Pierre Sage has signed a deal to succeed Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, and Sangare may accompany him through the departure lounge.
United's pursuit of the Mali international is understood to be the most concrete among the clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Sangare moved to Lens from Austrian side Rapid Vienna last summer and instantly excelled in one of Europe's elite competitions. The prospective deal is certainly amongst the more budget-friendly options United are currently being linked with. And it seems to align with the club's fresh approach of pursuing lesser-known talents who still match the blueprint Carrick is keen to implement.
