Man United Ready to Test Bournemouth’s Stance on Alex Scott With Formal Bid

Manchester United are about to find out just how serious Bournemouth is about keeping Alex Scott. The Red Devils are preparing a formal offer for the 22-year-old midfielder, even as the Cherries insist he’s not going anywhere.

United missed out on two other midfield targets this summer. Mateus Fernandes chose Tottenham Hotspur. Elliot Anderson picked Manchester City. So the club has turned its attention to Scott, who has been on the radar of several top Premier League sides.

According to BBC reporter Nizaar Kinsella, United have already made direct contact with Bournemouth to discuss the terms of a potential deal. That doesn’t mean the Cherries are interested in selling. They’ve been adamant that Scott isn’t for sale, especially given his valuation at The Vitality Stadium north of £60 million.

Bournemouth’s countermove: A new contract with a release clause

The Cherries aren’t just sitting back and waiting for offers to roll in. They’re working on a new contract for Scott and are hoping the promise of a release clause will be enough to get him to sign. That would give Bournemouth some control over his future while also offering Scott an eventual path out if a bigger club comes calling.

But United isn’t backing down. Michael Carrick’s squad is in the middle of a midfield overhaul. They’ve already agreed to a €40 million deal with Atalanta for Ederson, and they want at least one more body in the middle of the park. Scott fits the profile: young, technically sound, and already proving he can handle Premier League minutes.

It’s worth noting that Bournemouth has held firm before on key players. But the price tag here is steep, and if United comes in with something close to that £60 million figure, it’ll be a real test of how adamant the Cherries actually are.

For now, Scott’s camp is likely waiting to see what happens. A new contract with a release clause gives him security and a future move. A bid from United gives him a chance to join one of the biggest clubs in England right now. Either way, he’s in a good spot.

United’s next move will tell us a lot. If they put real money on the table, Bournemouth has a decision to make.