Manchester United have decided not to pursue a move for Bournemouth playmaker Alex Scott this summer, according to reports. Michael Carrick is understood to be keen on signing at least two central midfielders ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign. United have already agreed a deal for Atalanta star Ederson, who is expected to complete his move after the World Cup.
United's stance on Alex Scott
Scott has been linked with several Premier League clubs over the last few weeks, having emerged as one of the league's most coveted assets. He narrowly missed out on a place in the England squad for the World Cup, instead travelling as an extra for their warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica. Some reports have credited United with a desire to land Scott, but they do not have any plans to join the race for his signature, according to The Sun. It is claimed the Red Devils are not actively pursuing the 22-year-old, who is attracting more concrete interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Arsenal's enquiry and City's sabotage
Arsenal have already enquired about Scott's availability but were rebuffed by Bournemouth, who are reluctant to lose him this summer. The report adds that City have indirectly sabotaged Arsenal's efforts to land the former Bristol City playmaker by skewing his market value. They have agreed a £116 million deal with Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson, which has reportedly prompted Bournemouth to increase their asking price to around £80 million.
United's midfield targets
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if United's stance against a move for Scott will be revised after they were beaten to the signing of Mateus Fernandes. Tottenham have reportedly agreed a club-record £85 million deal to sign the West Ham playmaker, who was high on United's list of midfield targets. It is claimed that Spurs submitted the highest offer, with the numbers going beyond what the Red Devils were prepared to pay. United are now said to be shifting their focus to other targets, having seen success from being patient in the window last summer.
