Manchester United may have had a bit of a topsy-turvy summer transfer window so far, with key targets going elsewhere and the problems over signing Ederson after initially agreeing a £38million deal, but they have eventually got two new central midfielders through the door.
Andrey Santos made the £50million move from Premier League rivals Chelsea, while Youri Tielemans arrived in a £35million deal from Aston Villa.
But with Manuel Ugarte picking up an injury during World Cup duty with Uruguay, there has always been a feeling that United would go for a third central midfielder this summer.
Alex Scott has turned down a contract extension
Alex Scott
And now they have been given the green light to sign one of their top candidates in Alex Scott from Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with the Cherries, starting all but four of their Premier League games as they finished sixth and reached the UEFA Europa League for the first time in their history.
He is coveted by a number of the top Premier League sides, with United keen to secure his signature this summer, although he is likely to cost at least £80million to get a deal over the line.
But the hopes of completing a deal have been improved by the news that Scott has turned down a new contract offer to stay at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth are reluctant to sell their young star, despite the interest from elsewhere and had hoped they could tie him down to a new long-term contract on the south coast. However, that has not been the case, with the 22-year-old rejecting a new deal.
That will have alerted the likes of United when it comes to negotiating with the Cherries.
Bournemouth remain steadfast in their approach to selling Alex Scott
Alex Scott
Alex Scott
Bournemouth made their first renewal offer in March and talks have continued since, until stalling this week, but GIVEMESPORT understands that the Cherries remain reluctant to a sale and are happy to keep the midfielder on his current terms, rather than cashing in.
He has a contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2028 and there is a calmness on the south coast about his situation.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
United have already made an enquiry about signing him this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester City also doing the same, and the news of a rejected new contract may just see interest ramp up.
The Athletic's transfer expert David Ornstein admitted United "love" Scott, who has been described as "special" by Bournemouth teammate Lewis Cook.
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