Manchester United's transfer plans for the summer have been boosted following one update out of the England squad. Thomas Tuchel's men are currently preparing to open their campaign in the United States and are due to face Croatia on Wednesday.
Several members of the group initially flown out to the US will not be involved in that fixture, though, which could theoretically mean their attentions turn to next season. And that could ultimately prove to be good news for Michael Carrick as he looks to rebuild his side's midfield this summer.
Elsewhere, United already appear to have an alternative lined up following developments in the hunt for a new engine-room operator. Mirror Football has compiled some of Friday's biggest headlines out of Old Trafford as the action gets underway in North America.
Scott Path Clears
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is set to return to the UK after he was called up for England's pre-World Cup friendlies by Thomas Tuchel. Scott was among a number of players taken to the US by the England boss this week, with Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha, Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Fulham youngster Josh King also travelling stateside.
Following the conclusion of England's pre-tournament fixtures though, Scott is set to depart the England camp, and that could bode well for United's recruitment. That's after The Athletic reported United will refuse to enter the £120million bidding war for Elliot Anderson and will instead focus on more realistic targets. According to the report, Bournemouth playmaker Scott, whose step-sister Maya Le Tissier captains United's women, and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes both fall into that bracket, with each player likely to cost around the £80m mark.
There's a case to be made that Scott's return from the United States will free him and his representatives up to discuss a summer switch. More specifically, the player himself would also now be available to complete a medical should United and Bournemouth agree a fee. That isn't necessarily the case for players at the World Cup, whose availability for such matters are dictated by the medical staff of their respective teams. The Cherries paid Bristol City around £25m to acquire Scott's signature in the summer of 2023.
The 22-year-old has since proved he's capable at the Premier League level, with new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola also being touted to make a move for the player, meaning United may be wise to move quickly. Carrick's side are close to announcing a new midfielder already after agreeing a £39m deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, although his move is now set to be delayed following his late World Cup call-up to the Brazil squad.
Lens Star Attracting United Bid
A third midfielder being touted for a move to Old Trafford is Lens' Mamadou Sangare. And a move could be in the offing after Foot Mercato reported United are ready to make a £35m offer for the player. That's the price-tag associated with the 23-year-old following a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1. However, it is claimed the final transfer fee could end up being even higher.
Lens have been a victim of their own success after winning the Coupe de France for the first time and finishing second in France's top flight. Manager Pierre Sage has agreed a contract to replace Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, and Sangare could follow him out of the exit door.
United's interest in the Mali international is reported to be the strongest out of the list of clubs being linked with his services. Sangare joined Lens from Austrian outfit Rapid Vienna last summer and immediately shone in one of Europe's top leagues. The potential transfer is certainly one of the more cost-effective solutions United are currently being tipped for. And it appears to fit the club's new strategy of targeting less prominent names but ones who nonetheless fit the profile Carrick is hoping to promote.
