Manchester United entered the summer transfer window with a clear and defined plan to replace the departing Casemiro in their midfield.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest was identified as the dream target, with the club eager to bring the English midfielder to Old Trafford this summer.
However, Manchester City dramatically altered the landscape by placing a £120m bid including add-ons for Anderson, a figure that was ultimately rejected by Nottingham Forest.
United, unable to compete at that price level, have been forced to look elsewhere for their Casemiro replacement, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Ornstein reports that United are “refusing” to enter a bidding war for Anderson and are now focusing on two players who “want them,” including Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
Scott, aged 22, is valued at around £80m by Bournemouth, with reports emerging this week amid talks of a contract extension at the Vitality Stadium.
The midfielder honed his skills in the EFL, dazzling for Bristol City, where one Robins source described him as “the best player” they have ever seen represent the club.
Anderson himself also has Football League roots, having spent time with Bristol Rovers back in 2022 before his rise to prominence at Nottingham Forest.
Both players share similar qualities on the pitch, combining high energy levels with an impressive ability to carry the ball and progress play through midfield.
Scott registered 12.18 defensive contributions per 90 minutes last season, while Anderson posted a staggering 13.93, with the Forest man also completing 1.35 successful dribbles per 90, ranking him in the top 4% of Premier League midfielders.
Anderson was the busiest midfielder in the entire Premier League by distance, covering a remarkable 318 kilometres across the whole season, more than any other midfielder in the division.
Scott completed 0.91 dribbles per 90 last season, placing him within the top 13% of Premier League midfielders, underlining his quality as a ball carrier in a similar mould to Anderson.
While Anderson is considered the superior player right now, having earned a place in England’s World Cup squad ahead of Scott, the Bournemouth man was part of the pre-tournament squad in America and appears on the verge of a senior debut.
Casemiro’s final season at United will be remembered fondly, with the Brazilian bagging nine goals and operating brilliantly alongside Kobbie Mainoo in a midfield overseen by Michael Carrick.
Jamie Carragher had previously told the Brazilian to leave football before it left him, but Casemiro proved his doubters wrong during a strong final campaign at Old Trafford.
United are also expected to complete the signing of Ederson from Atalanta for around £39m, a deal considered all but agreed to bring the midfielder to the club.
Mateus Fernandes at West Ham and Sandro Tonali at Newcastle have also been linked, though Fernandes carries an £85m price tag and Tonali could cost around £100m.
At £80m, Scott represents a more financially viable option than continuing to pursue Anderson, and his desire to join United strengthens the likelihood of a deal being struck this summer.