Manchester United are set to intensify their pursuit of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after missing out on a deal for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, who is poised to join Tottenham Hotspur for £85 million.
Midfield priority for United
The Red Devils have identified midfield reinforcement as a key objective this summer and have already agreed a deal for Brazil international Ederson. Extensive talks were held to sign Fernandes, who had prioritised a move to Old Trafford. However, Tottenham have won the race by meeting West Ham's asking price and offering the 21-year-old a more lucrative salary package.
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, United will now explore a deal for Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The 22-year-old played all but one of Bournemouth's league games last season, helping the club secure a sixth-place finish and qualify for European competition for the first time.
Scott's rising stock
Scott's performances nearly earned him a spot in England's World Cup squad, but manager Thomas Tuchel opted for Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo as backups for Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson. Nevertheless, Scott was one of five players invited to England's preparation camp in the United States ahead of the tournament, further heightening interest in his services.
Premier League champions Arsenal are also admirers of Scott as they look to strengthen Mikel Arteta's title-winning midfield. Chelsea and Manchester City are also reportedly interested. Scott has two years remaining on his Bournemouth contract, and the Cherries have set an £80 million asking price. They are keen to discuss a new deal that could include a release clause.
Other targets and Ferdinand's view
United have been linked with several other midfielders, including Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand urged his old club to prioritise a move for Tchouameni, who faces an uncertain future after a high-profile altercation with teammate Federico Valverde last season.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: "I've woke up to the news that Fernandes from West Ham could be going to Spurs, £80 million, huge money, it's thrown me. I think Manchester United and Arsenal have made it very clear, they have a stance in this window, they're not going to overpay for people who they don't feel they should. You know what, I'm going to put my neck on the line, I think Man United are holding up their money, they're holding the money back for one man and that's Tchouameni. If he becomes available in this market, Man United are not going to miss, they can't afford to miss that one. They may let another couple slip through the bag if the price isn't right."
