Manchester United and bitter rivals Liverpool are set to battle it out over an England international midfielder's signature in the summer transfer window
08:48, 12 Jun 2026
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Michael Carrick could receive a transfer boost
Manchester United's summer transfer ambitions have received a welcome boost following fresh developments from the England camp.
Thomas Tuchel's squad are currently gearing up to kick off their campaign in the United States and are scheduled to take on Croatia next Wednesday. Several members of the party initially transported to the US will not feature in that encounter, however, which could theoretically mean their focus shifts to the upcoming season.
And that could ultimately prove beneficial for Michael Carrick as he seeks to overhaul his side's midfield this summer. Meanwhile, United already seem to have a backup option in place following progress in their pursuit of a new midfield dynamo. Here's all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick will oversee his first summer transfer window at Old Trafford(Image: Getty Images)
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Scott path clears
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is poised to head back to the UK after receiving a call-up for England's pre-World Cup friendlies under Thomas Tuchel, reports the Mirror.
Scott was among several players whisked off to the US by the England manager this week, alongside Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha, Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Fulham prospect Josh King.
Following the wrap-up of England's pre-tournament matches though, Scott is expected to leave the England setup, and that could prove encouraging for United's transfer business.
That comes after The Athletic revealed United will steer clear of the £120million bidding war for Elliot Anderson and will instead concentrate on more achievable targets.
Alex Scott of Bournemouth is a reported target for Manchester United and Liverpool
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Alex Scott of Bournemouth is a reported target for Manchester United and Liverpool(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
According to the report, Bournemouth playmaker Scott, whose step-sister Maya Le Tissier leads United's women's side, and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes both fit that category, with each player likely to command around the £80million mark.
There's an argument that Scott's return from the United States will allow him and his representatives to hold talks over a summer move. More crucially, the player himself would now be free to undergo a medical should United and Bournemouth reach an agreement over a fee.
That isn't necessarily true for players at the World Cup, whose availability for such procedures are controlled by the medical teams of their respective nations. The Cherries handed Bristol City approximately £25million to secure Scott's services in the summer of 2023.
The 22-year-old has since demonstrated he can cut it at Premier League level, with new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also being linked with a swoop for the player, meaning United may need to act swiftly.
Carrick's squad are on the verge of unveiling a new midfielder already after striking a £39million agreement to bring in Ederson from Atalanta, although his transfer is now set to be postponed following his late World Cup selection for the Brazil squad.
Lens star attracting United bid
Mamadou Sangare of RC Lens runs with the ball during the French Cup Semi Final match between RC Lens and Toulouse at Stade Bollaert-Delelis
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Mamadou Sangare is a man in demand(Image: Getty Images)
A third midfielder being linked with a switch to Old Trafford is Lens' Mamadou Sangare. And a transfer could be on the cards after Foot Mercato reported United are prepared to table a £35m bid for the player.
That's the valuation placed on the 23-year-old following a standout season in Ligue 1. Nevertheless, it's suggested the eventual transfer sum could prove even steeper.
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Lens have fallen foul of their own achievements after claiming the Coupe de France for the first time and securing second place in France's premier division. Boss Pierre Sage has signed a deal to succeed Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, and Sangare may accompany him through the departure lounge.
United's pursuit of the Mali international is understood to be the most concrete among the clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Sangare moved to Lens from Austrian side Rapid Vienna last summer and instantly excelled in one of Europe's elite competitions.
The prospective deal is certainly amongst the more budget-friendly options United are currently being linked with. And it seems to align with the club's fresh approach of pursuing lesser-known talents who still match the blueprint Carrick is keen to implement.