Manchester United could turn their attention to Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after suffering another transfer setback.
The Red Devils have already secured verbal agreements to land Ederson and Andrey Santos from Atalanta and Chelsea, respectively.
They were also determined to make a marquee acquisition, and had established contact with Aurelien Tchouameni’s agent, according to The Daily Mail.
However, the Frenchman has now decided to pen an improved contract at Real Madrid, thereby handing United yet another blow in the transfer market.
United have already missed out on Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, and Tchouameni’s snub represents another bitter setback for the hierarchy.
Bournemouth star Alex Scott is also highly rated by the Red Devils and could emerge as the next priority target for the Mancunian giants this summer.
Scott would represent a good signing
United have just sealed an agreement with Chelsea for Santos. The Brazil international is versatile and can operate as a defensive or central midfielder.
Ederson likewise falls into the same category. Tchouameni would have been a statement signing for the number six role, but he has chosen to stay at Madrid.
Scott could now emerge as a fallback target. The 22-year-old can play anywhere in midfield, but caught the eye from the holding midfield position last term.
The young Englishman won five duels per league game alongside five recoveries and two tackles.
He was particularly impressive with his ball-carrying ability, which is something United have lacked in the past, with Casemiro no longer in the prime of his career.
Despite the transfer interest, the big question remains whether United would be prepared to make a huge outlay of £80m to prise him away from Bournemouth.
They have received an incentive with the player snubbing a new Bournemouth deal beyond June 2028.
The Cherries are a tough negotiating outfit, but the Red Devils may still seek a discount or a reduction in the fixed fee, with compensation through add-ons.
They have a clear path to signing Scott, with Arsenal entirely focused on landing Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes at the present time.
Guimaraes would be a much better acquisition, but it appears United are not exploring a deal at the moment due to his age (28) and hefty asking price.
The Brazilian’s wage demands could be another stumbling block.
Stats from Sofascore