Alex Scott: Bournemouth pushing to resolve Man United target’s future | OneFootball

Manchester United face a fierce battle with their major rivals, and AFC Bournemouth, to secure Alex Scott as the Red Devils focus on 22-year-old midfielder as their new priority target, according to a transfer expert.

Main Target in Midfield

Having enjoyed a superb season in which he helped propel Bournemouth into Europe for the first time in the club’s 127-year history, Scott is a man in demand this summer. Every member of England’s elite has expressed interest in the Guernsey native, though the Cherries are adamant he will not be leaving the south coast.

Alex Scott Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Sofascore

Scott’s current deal expires in 2028. Talks are ongoing over a contract extension, which will include a release clause – a similar approach to the one taken with Antoine Semenyo last year.

There is a determination at the Vitality Stadium to have clarity on the player’s future as a matter of urgency. The club does not want uncertainty to carry into August and the start of the new Premier League season.

However, well-placed sources claim the former Bristol City star, signed from the Robins for £25 million in 2023, has rejected these proposals, leading to optimism among his suitors that an exit is still possible. Bournemouth are understood to remain locked in talks with Scott’s camp, with fresh contact expected next week, Ben Jacobs reveals.

After failed pursuits of Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and, following last night’s crushing setback, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Manchester United have now made Scott their main target to bolster their engine room.

Despite Bournemouth’s resolute stance, the Red Devils are said to be considering an £80 million offer to force a rethink, with Michael Carrick having greenlit the move. Scott is believed to be open to a move to Old Trafford, though he is likely to have the option to join the blue half of Manchester, or the title holders in North London, as well.

Arsenal and Man City pose a threat

Speaking to the United Stand, Jacobs expects Manchester United to “proceed with formal talks” for Scott, confirming he is “top” of the list at Old Trafford.

However, Arsenal are also firm contenders, having seen an enquiry knocked back by Bournemouth last week. The Gunners appear to have pivoted towards Bruno Guimarães, but may reignite a move if, as expected, Newcastle United refuse to sell their talismanic captain.

But Jacobs also reveals Manchester City have made a direct approach to the Cherries in the last few weeks, with Pep Guardiola having previously described Scott as an “unbelievable player”. The talkSPORT reporter claims City, along with Arsenal and United, have shown the most “aggression” in pursuit of the England under-21 international.

Chelsea are another side who have “done their due diligence” on Scott, having first registered their interest as far back as March. But they have not made contact recently, although, in an interesting twist, a report relayed by The Peoples Person detailed the Blues’ intention to target Scott if Andrey Santos was sold. Given United agreed a £50 million deal for the Brazilian yesterday, a proposal from Stamford Bridge may now be imminent.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are two other admirers, particularly the Merseyside club, having appointed Andoni Iraola after his contract with Bournemouth expired last month. The Spanish tactician was absolutely fundamental to Scott’s transformation into one of the Premier League’s most well-rounded midfielders.

However, both clubs are understood to be focusing on other targets, with Tottenham Hotspur having broken their record transfer fee twice; first to hijack United’s deal for Fernandes, then to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. The fact that Bournemouth want to resolve Scott’s future imminently, in a bid to avoid the saga dragging into the start of the new campaign, means United will have a firm answer – either positive or negative – soon.

Final Thoughts

The double blow of losing Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur and Anderson to Manchester City has proven a bitter pill to swallow for Manchester United. The prospect of then seeing their next best option in Scott fall into the hands of either Arsenal or, even worse, City would send the Red Devils fanbase into a meltdown.

With deals already in place for two Brazilian warriors, Ederson and Andrey Santos, the more technical profile offered by the Bournemouth maestro offers could be the perfect complement at Old Trafford. It will just taken an offer worth £80 million, or more, to make happen.

Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images

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