Manchester United are about to find out just how serious Bournemouth is about keeping Alex Scott. The club is preparing to open formal talks for the 22-year-old midfielder, and the number being discussed internally is £80 million. That’s according to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, who told The United Stand that Scott sits at the very top of United’s midfield wish list.
Michael Carrick has already signed off on the move. That’s not a small detail. Carrick’s green light at Carrington means this isn’t just some ownership-level pipe dream. It’s a real football department priority.
Scott has been quietly brilliant this season. He made 37 appearances as Bournemouth qualified for European competition for the first time in their 127-year history. United have been tracking him for months, but he only became the No. 1 target after they struck out on Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Three misses will do that to a shortlist.
Bournemouth signed Scott from Bristol City for £25 million in 2023. His contract runs through 2028, so the Cherries aren’t exactly in a weak negotiating position. They want clarity before August, and fresh talks with Scott’s representatives are expected next week. But here’s the interesting part: Jacobs reports that Scott has already turned down initial contract extension proposals. That’s the kind of detail that gets suitors circling.
Three Heavyweights in the Race
Arsenal and Manchester City are also pushing hard. Arsenal had a formal enquiry rejected by Bournemouth last week and have reportedly shifted focus toward Bruno Guimarães, though that could change if Newcastle refuses to sell. City have made a direct approach in recent weeks, and Pep Guardiola has called Scott an “unbelievable player” before. That kind of praise doesn’t just disappear.
Chelsea have done their homework but haven’t made recent contact. Though with their agreement to sell Andrey Santos to United for £50 million, they could suddenly have the cash to jump in. Liverpool and Tottenham are reportedly looking elsewhere for now.
Bournemouth’s stance is firm. They’ve already navigated Antoine Semenyo’s contract extension with a release clause, and they’re applying the same model here. European qualification means they don’t need to sell. If United goes to £80 million, that’s a serious step up from the £25 million they paid. The Cherries aren’t moving for anything less.
Scott is reportedly open to Old Trafford, but he’s got elite options across Manchester and in North London. Bournemouth wants this resolved before the season starts. United should have an answer soon. One way or the other.
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