Manchester United are stepping up their interest in AFC Bournemouth maestro Alex Scott as the summer transfer window fast approaches, according to a highly-rated transfer expert.
Rebuilding the Midfield
United are in the market for at least two midfielders — or three if Manuel Ugarte is sold — as the club braces for the impact of Casemiro‘s departure.
Despite enjoying a resurgent campaign, INEOS opted against triggering a one-year extension in the Brazilian international’s contract, which is the most expensive at Old Trafford.
A successor is considered the most pressing priority, with Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid superstar Aurélien Tchouaméni the primary targets.
But an all-action No.8 to rotate with Kobbie Mainoo is also on the agenda, which has led United to zero in on Scott after a superb season on the south coast with high-flying Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old has been an integral part of Andoni Iraola’s side, who have qualified for Europe for the first time in the club’s 127-year history. There remains a chance they can still bag a Champions League spot, but results elsewhere will have to go their way.
Possessing a potent pairing of physicality and technique, Scott is able to thrive across all phases of play. He is capable of hard yards and heads-up football, with the ability to progress the ball forward quickly; the type of midfielder any manager would love to have in their ranks.
His performances won him a call-up to the England squad in November as Thomas Tuchel was suitably impressed, while Michael Carrick is understood to be similarly smitten, with the United coach said to have been wowed by his breakout season after being an admirer during his time at Bristol City.
United hold talks
Laurie Whitwell, the gold standard for United updates, reveals Scott is “liked” by INEOS, and would be a “good long-term investment that could be a mainstay in United’s midfield for the next decade.”
The Athletic reporter confirms “talks have been held” to gauge the viability and financial demands involved in a summer swoop, which mirrors a report relayed by The Peoples Person that a “secret transfer meeting” had been held with Bournemouth officials last week.
United have also been linked with a number of Scott’s teammates at the Vitality Stadium, including Marcos Senesi, Tyler Adams, Marcus Tavernier and Eli Junior Kroupi.
A price tag in the region of £50 million has been suggested, though the Cherries will be hoping growing interest elsewhere in the Premier League will drive this up. Chelsea and Liverpool are understood to be closely tracking the Guernsey native.
Final Thoughts
Scott ticks many of the boxes — young, hungry, versatile, Premier League proven — United are now guiding their recruitment with in the INEOS era. If a reasonable fee can be struck with Bournemouth, which is far from certain after qualifying for Europe, then he would prove an excellent signing.
But if a bidding war erupts as other Premier League heavyweights enter the fray, a well-rounded alternative to Mainoo at a price reserved only for his partner in crime in midfield will quickly lose its appeal for the decision-makers in M16.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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