Manchester United are reportedly “pushing forward” to secure a deal for AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, according to The Sun.
The Red Devils have identified midfield reinforcement as a top priority this summer following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury.
United have already reached an agreement in principle with Atalanta to sign Ederson, though the transfer is not yet official as the player still needs to undergo a medical.
Michael Carrick’s side had also pursued Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes as serious midfield targets, but lost both races to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
Attention has now turned to Scott, with The Sun reporting that United are “pushing forward” to finalise a deal for the 22-year-old Bournemouth star.
Despite Scott entering the final two years of his contract, Bournemouth have made clear they have no intention of allowing him to leave the club this summer.
The south coast side are even exploring the possibility of tying Scott down to a fresh long-term deal, and are demanding a club-record fee of £80m for his signature.
United are reportedly willing to match that asking price, signalling genuine intent to bring the technically gifted midfielder to Old Trafford.
Scott is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but is equally comfortable in a defensive midfield role and can also provide cover in the number ten position when required.
Arsenal have also been credited with interest in Scott, with Mikel Arteta reportedly exploring options as he looks to replace Christian Norgaard in the squad.
The young Englishman is praised for his ability to thread passes between the lines, score from distance, carry the ball past defenders in tight areas, and contribute defensively with consistency.
United are also said to be keen on Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, though the Spanish giants have shown little desire to part with the French midfielder this summer.