Manchester United are preparing a sensational bid for AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott, who is also the subject of an approach from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Michael Carrick's side have already made two additions in the middle of the park this summer, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving at Old Trafford, but with Manuel Ugarte set for a considerable spell on the sidelines, they could do with signing another midfielder.
Scott is already proven in the Premier League, having spent the last three seasons in the top flight with AFC Bournemouth, and he has picked up four goals and two assists in 80 appearances.
However, the 22-year-old primarily excels at the opposite end of the pitch, averaging 12.2 defensive contributions per 90 in the Premier League last season, which was the highest number in the Cherries' squad.
Former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Guernsey-born midfielder, describing him as "unbelievable", whereas Micah Richards believes he has all the attributes to succeed in England, saying: "I love him. He's got everything that a midfielder should have playing in the Premier League. I love his game."
Having proven himself over the past three seasons, the Bournemouth star could be due a big move, and the race for his signature is heating up.
Man Utd preparing a move for Alex Scott
Alex-Scott-Bournemouth
According to a report from Sports Boom, Man United are now preparing a sensational move of their own for Scott, having seen Chelsea owners BlueCo have a £64m bid knocked back.
The Cherries are determined to keep hold of their star midfielder, but he is now attracting widespread interest, with Newcastle United and Liverpool also keen and the Blues' mega-rich owners not giving up either.
The Red Devils are now favourites however, and they are considering making a blockbuster bid, but it could take a huge fee to get a deal over the line, with Bournemouth said to be holding out for £100m.
Should Man Utd sign Alex Scott?
Pros
Age - he's still only 22 years old
Premier League proven
Would count towards home-grown quota
Excellent defensively
Could be a like-for-like Casemiro heir
Man Utd also plotting move for Carlos Baleba
Carlos-Baleba-Cunha
Scott isn't the only young Premier League midfielder Man United have their eye on though, with Fabrizio Romano revealing they are still keen on signing Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
Baleba, who is also 22-years-old, would be "super keen" on a move to Old Trafford, and a deal for the Cameroon international could set United back £75m, which means he could be a more affordable option than Scott.
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