Manchester United are said to have a new priority in their search for a new midfielder this summer. Michael Carrick is on the lookout for a Casemiro replacement this summer following the Brazilian's departure, but he is open to signing more of a modern-type, hybrid midfielder, as shown by the failed pursuit of Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes ended up joining Tottenham for a fee United were not willing to match, at least not within the same payment structure, and so United's search goes on. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also asking for another Ederson medical, with that particular midfielder deal delayed until further checks are done.
As for who will join Ederson at Old Trafford next season, a fresh report claims there is a clear leading candidate.
Alex Scott at the top of Man Utd's wishlist
Alex Scott
Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has been discussing the latest at Newcastle United, and during the report, he claimed United's priority is now AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott.
He wrote: "Manchester United are said to have a longstanding interest in the 20-year-old and Manzambi’s eye-catching performances in North America would not have helped. Panic? Not yet.
"Newcastle have been told they are at the front of the queue and the numbers involved with the player and his club Freiburg should not be an issue, but they thought that about Munoz. Man United’s midfield priority is also Alex Scott of Bournemouth."
United and Newcastle's transfer interests overlap because the Magpies have just lost Sandro Tonali to Tottenham for around £100million,
Bournemouth are said to be asking for £80million for Scott this summer, and it's worth keeping in mind that United refused to pay £85million for Fernandes, but differing payment terms could be enough to convince them to pay if they do make a move.
Scott dominated against Arsenal
Alex Scott
Alex Scott
Bournemouth were one of the few teams to beat Arsenal last season, and especially at the Emirates Stadium. During the April clash, Scott put on a clinic in the midfield, dominating the likes of Declan Rice.
Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy said of the performance: "Alex Scott outstanding in the middle of the pitch, but not just winning the ball back, then having the calmness to play with the quality.”
He described Scott as "the best player on the pitch” and added: “You can't say they didn't deserve it. So although we'll talk about Arsenal, I think Bournemouth deserve a lot of credit because that level of performance is probably as good as I've seen anyone produce at Arsenal this season.”
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