Manchester United have had to overcome problem after problem as they look to add to their midfield ranks.
The signing of Ederson from Atalanta was negotiated swiftly enough, but since then, the Red Devils have not had as smooth a ride as INEOS would have liked.
Moves for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali fell through due to the costs involved, with the club currently focusing on landing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
The Portugal international is keen to join and play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes, but the Hammers have proven to be a tough nut to crack.
United’s midfield search has taken them to Alex Scott
Add Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid to the mix, and the 20-time English league champions cannot afford to put all their eggs in the same basket.
As per Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, the Old Trafford side have Bournemouth’s Alex Scott on their radar.
The 22-year-old’s current deal with Bournemouth ends in 2028, and so far, he has refused to agree a contract extension.
However, Arsenal have sensed an opportunity and have joined the race. The Cherries are reluctant to sell their midfield talisman but are starting to soften their stance.
Arsenal join the race
They want the 22-year-old to sign a new deal, which would include a £75 million release clause, so that he can leave on amicable terms.
However, both United and the Gunners are unlikely to pay as much, considering the England international’s deal has only two years left to run.
“It’s a little bit of a development, but Arsenal are interested in him. That might be a rival for United if they want to progress with the Scott situation.
Release clause details and alternatives
“Bournemouth are trying to get him to sign a new contract and put a release clause in there for £75m. That’s more than clubs would be willing to pay with two years left on his deal.”
Should INEOS feel the price is too high, Scott’s club teammate Tyler Adams is another player they are keeping tabs on.
He would cost significantly less, and is a more natural defensive midfielder. It will be interesting to see whether United end up raiding Bournemouth after they held secret talks this summer regarding several of their players.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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