Recently, it felt as though Alex Scott was going to be Manchester United’s big-money signing.
Struggle to nail marquee midfielder signing
Top midfield target Elliot Anderson decided to move to the Etihad over a switch to Old Trafford.
Mateus Fernandes then joined Tottenham Hotspur after Manchester United opted against outbidding the North London side.
There was also talk of United going for Aurelien Tchouameni, viewed as a dream Casemiro replacement. However, news then broke that Tchouameni had agreed a new long-term deal with Real Madrid, a move that dwarfed the Red Devils’ chances of signing him this summer.
With all those names crossed off the list, Alex Scott suddenly emerged as the likely United marquee midfield signing.
And just as the Old Trafford faithful were waiting for United to convince AFC Bournemouth to agree to the midfielder’s sale, an interesting update has dropped.
Alex Scott pursuit ended
As per The Mirror, United have dropped out of the race for Scott.
The reputable transfer source explains:
“The Cherries are holding out for in excess of £70m for one of their prize assets.
“United are not prepared to meet the asking price – and will continue to look at alternative targets instead.”
Difference in valuation
While it has been obvious that Bournemouth are not keen on a sale, despite the midfielder refusing to commit his future to them, they would nonetheless demand crazy figures:
“United valued Scott in the £40m bracket, due to the fact he has still to win his first full England cap and hasn’t played in the Champions League.”
For that reason, United were never going to convince the South Coast Premier League side to sanction the midfielder’s exit, especially not when they rejected Chelsea’s £60 million offer.
Scott’s race is now down to Arsenal and Chelsea.
As for United, it will be interesting to see who they turn to instead.
Kone or Tchouameni
There is progress on the Manu Kone front, with personal terms agreed.
Tchouameni could also become available if Real Madrid sign Rodri.
Kone or Tchouameni, it will be interesting to see which one arrives as United’s third midfielder, following the Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos deals.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.