Manchester United have entered formal discussions with Bournemouth over a potential move for midfielder Alex Scott this summer transfer window.
The Red Devils had been firmly focused on signing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who has emerged as one of England’s most exciting midfield talents in recent months.
Anderson’s outstanding performances earned him a regular starting role for England at the ongoing World Cup, only increasing his appeal to clubs across Europe.
However, Manchester City had a £116m bid accepted for the 23-year-old this week, effectively ending United’s pursuit of their primary midfield target.
The figure represented a sum well beyond what INEOS were prepared to spend, forcing the club to urgently explore alternatives lower down their shortlist.
According to Sky Sports, United have already reached out to Bournemouth and held discussions over what is needed to secure a move for Scott.
Marco Rose’s side view the 22-year-old as untouchable and are considered extremely unlikely to entertain offers for his signature, making negotiations difficult from the outset.
Despite Sky Sports not mentioning a specific fee, other reports suggest Bournemouth could be tempted to sell if United submit an offer in the region of £80m.
Scott enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 Premier League campaign, playing in 37 games and registering four goals and assists while posting an impressive 87% pass accuracy rate.
His defensive output was equally notable, recording 12.2 defensive contributions and 2.2 clearances per 90 minutes, bettering Anderson in both of those key areas.
Scott also achieved a higher dribble success rate of 59% and created 1.1 chances per 90, statistics that drew praise from former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who labelled him as “unbelievable.”
The Bournemouth midfielder missed just one Premier League match throughout the entire campaign under Andoni Iraola, underlining his consistency and importance to the club.
West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, though Nuno Espírito Santo’s relegated side have placed an £85m price tag on the Portuguese star.
Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Arsenal have all been credited with interest in Fernandes, meaning United face significant competition if they pursue that particular target.
United’s decision to walk away from the Anderson deal, despite missing out to City, appears to be the pragmatic and financially responsible choice given the £120m asking price.
That figure would have surpassed by £30m the largest transfer fee the Red Devils have ever paid for a single player, representing a considerable risk for the club.
A move for Scott at £80m would represent a near club-record fee but could give manager Michael Carrick a dynamic, versatile midfielder capable of competing at the highest level.
Should Scott continue his current trajectory after any potential switch to Manchester, there is no reason why Carrick cannot develop him into a player capable of matching Anderson’s influence.
A transfer to Old Trafford could also enhance Scott’s England prospects, with the midfielder having missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad despite travelling to America for the pre-tournament camp.