Manchester United have ‘made checks’ on Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott alongside Chelsea, according to The Mirror.
The Red Devils are planning to bolster their midfield department this summer, with Casemiro on his way out on a free transfer.
The Brazilian star will formally depart when his contract expires on June 30. The club won’t reverse the decision.
United are obviously looking for a marquee replacement, but the hierarchy are also open to pursuing a second midfielder too.
Amidst this, The Mirror claim that United have been closely monitoring Scott’s performances at Bournemouth this term.
They have been impressed by the midfielder’s work rate and forward-mindedness, and could seek to beat Chelsea to his signature.
Scott was the man of the match during the Cherries’ recent draw against United and also scored in the 2-1 away win over Arsenal.
Scott would be a good acquisition for United
The Red Devils have focused on adding Premier League-based signings. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have proved brilliant acquisitions to bolster the attack from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford, respectively.
The club could continue the same strategy this summer. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is the prime holding midfield target, but it has emerged that the Englishman is prepared to snub United for a move to arch-rivals Manchester City.
United need to look at obvious alternatives rather than waiting on a midfielder, who has his sights elsewhere. Scott would be a fabulous recruit, based on his performances during the ongoing season under Cherries boss Andoni Iraola.
The 22-year-old had a tough start to his Cherries career after he arrived from Bristol City for £25 million. He managed 750 and 1,010 league minutes in his first two campaigns due to long-term injuries.
However, he has produced his best in the current campaign. The former England youth international has stayed unscathed and has already played more than 2,500 minutes in the league season.
Scott has been utilised more as a defensive midfielder after an early injury crisis at Bournemouth. He has made five goal contributions, but his defensive involvements have particularly stood out.
He has won five duels and two tackles per outing alongside five recoveries and two clearances. Despite this, he has maintained good discipline, picking up only four yellow cards this term.
Bournemouth generally sell their leading players for the right price. If the Red Devils were to pay around £50m for Scott, a deal could be finalised during this summer’s transfer window.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com