Manchester United face another potential setback in their midfield rebuild as AFC Bournemouth boss Marco Rose has moved to rule out Alex Scott’s exit, according to a new report.
Running Out of Targets
Despite a £39 million deal already being struck with Atalanta for Ederson, the Red Devils’ primary target this summer has been Nottingham Forest maestro Elliot Anderson. However, the Tricky Trees’ exorbitant valuation of the 23-year-old England international – which local rivals Manchester City are willing to match – ruled United out of the running.
This led to a pivot towards West Ham starlet Mateus Fernandes, who enjoyed a superb campaign at the London Stadium despite his side being unable to stave off relegation, returning three goals and four assists in 36 Premier League appearances. In an ironic twist, this is the second successive bottom-three finish the one-cap Portugal international has suffered, after Southampton experienced the same fate last year before he completed a £38 million switch to the London Stadium.
There had been hope the Hammers’ descent into the Championship would force them to drop an asking price of £80 million, but the entry of other competitors into the race has strengthened their negotiating position.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all expressed interest, while Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have both made approaches as well. However, Tottenham Hotspur have stormed into the race by simply being willing to outbid any other suitors – including United.
INEOS are understood to value Fernandes at the £60 million mark, though they may be prepared to offer more if required. By contrast, Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to meet West Ham’s valuation, having already received the green light from the player’s camp as well.
United’s hierarchy are determined to break from the mistakes of the past and have stressed the club will no longer overpay for targets, no matter how highly rated they are at Old Trafford, even if Manuel Ugarte is evidence of this approach not always working. A host of other options – Scott chief among them – are under consideration to provide alternatives, just as Fernandes was for Anderson, but there is a growing sense United are being forced to accept compromises, rather than coups.
United’s pursuit forces Bournemouth response
Scott is another midfielder with a burgeoning reputation after a superb season at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s rampant Bournemouth side. The 22-year-old possesses a well-rounded skill set, as capable with the ball as he is without, with an outstanding attitude and work rate, leading Pep Guardiola to describe him as “unbelievable” after facing him against Bristol City in the FA Cup.
Alex Scott 25/26 season stats
| Matches played | Goals | Assists | Mins played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 4 | 1 | 3062 |
Source: transfermarkt.com
United hold a long-standing interest in Scott, but TEAMtalk reveals “fresh enquiries” have been made this week to gauge the viability of a deal. The Red Devils are not alone in their admiration, however, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham also having the Guernsey native on their radar.
In response to this growing interest, Marco Rose – the replacement for Iraola, who has taken charge at Anfield after Arne Slot’s dismissal – has told his new bosses that Scott is “central to his plans and that he does not want to sanction a sale” this summer.
“The German coach is understood to view the 22-year-old as a cornerstone of his new-look Bournemouth side and believes he can become one of the team’s most influential players. Sources indicate Rose has been particularly emphatic on the subject during internal discussions, making it clear that retaining Scott is a priority as he prepares for his first season in charge.”
This view is mirrored along the corridors of power at the Vitality Stadium, with the Cherries’ hierarchy said to have “informed interested clubs that Scott is not available for transfer this summer”. Talks are underway to agree a contract extension for the England under-21 international, which is likely to contain a release clause similar to the one included in Antoine Semenyo’s deal on the south coast.
Final Thoughts
Despite Bournemouth’s insistence Scott is not for sale, there is conflicting noise on the valuation it would take to bring them to the negotiating table. One update suggested bids in the region of £60 million would be sufficient, while a separate report claims it would take £80 million to change their minds.
But if the new manager at the Vitality Stadium has made a concerted pitch for Scott to remain regardless of the offer, this may end up being yet another target United are priced out of a deal for, with an increasingly short list of alternative avenues to explore.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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