Manchester United made it clear this summer that midfield was the priority. Michael Carrick wanted at least three new bodies in the engine room. And they got two: Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million. But the third target? That’s where things get complicated.
INEOS, the club’s new decision-makers, have shifted focus to player sales before spending more. They missed on Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes. A deal for Ederson fell through after a failed medical. So the search continues. And right now, the name at the top of the list is Alex Scott.
But here’s the problem: Bournemouth want £80 million for the 22-year-old. That’s roughly $105 million. And according to the Sun, United have no intention of paying it.
Why Bournemouth Is Playing Hardball
The Cherries have been stiff-arming inquiries for Scott since the window opened. They’ve offered him a new long-term deal that includes a release clause, basically telling him: sign this and you’ll get your move eventually. Scott hasn’t signed it yet. His current contract runs through 2028, so Bournemouth can afford to be stubborn. For now.
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell laid it out pretty clearly. United admires the kid. Bournemouth insists he’s not for sale. And the lack of movement might mean United thinks £80 million is too rich. But Whitwell also pointed out something else: United could be waiting until late in the window to force Bournemouth’s hand. Scott only has two years left on his deal after this one. That’s not a lot of leverage for the seller.
Whether Bournemouth blinks is another question. They’ve already turned down offers. But a deadline has a way of changing minds.
The Backup Plan
United has other names on the list. Carlos Baleba at Brighton is an option, but only if Brighton drops their asking price. That’s not a guarantee. So INEOS has started looking beyond the Premier League. Manu Kone is getting mentioned more and more, and those links are only getting louder as the clock ticks.
It feels like this one is headed for a late-summer resolution. Either Bournemouth caves, United moves on, or Scott forces the issue himself by refusing to sign that extension. For now, it’s a waiting game. And in a transfer window full of twists, this one is far from over.
Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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