Manchester United's hunt for a third midfielder signing has taken a blow this summer, after they were forced out of the race for a top target.
The Red Devils have completed four deals this summer, including moves for Brazil international Andrey Santos from Chelsea, and Belgium captain Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, for a combined fee of an initial £83m.
But the club are keen to make another addition in that area, with Casemiro having left at the end of his contract and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee ligament injury that will see him miss most of the campaign. But they have been forced to step aside in the race for one player who had been shortlisted for several months.
Man Utd Pull Out of Alex Scott Race
England's Alex Scott smiles in a press conference
World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - England Press Conference - Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre, London, Britain - November 11, 2025 England's Alex Scott during the press conference Pool via REUTERS/Bradley Collyer
via Reuters
According to a report by John Cross for the Daily Star, Man Utd have decided not to go any further in the race to sign Bournemouth sensation Alex Scott.
Scott, who has been described as 'unbelievable', has emerged as one of the hottest midfield options for a number of clubs this summer following his performances for the Cherries in the 2025/26 season, which earned him his first senior England squad call-ups.
But Bournemouth do not want to sell, despite the fact the player has just two years remaining on his contract at the Vitality Stadium, and they have valued him in excess of £70m.
Chelsea have already had a £64m bid rejected, showing that Bournemouth are serious about their valuation, and that has caused Man Utd to step away from any deal, as it significantly exceeds their valuation of the player.
The 22-year-old is also a target for Arsenal, and has given a number of clubs the green light about a summer switch after rejecting a new contract. However, Bournemouth are adamant that he will not be sold in this window, regardless of whether he signs a new contract or not.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Scott Would Be a Top Signing
Alex Scott
Alex Scott
Man Utd's valuations of players has regularly cost them in this market, and this could be another situation where something similar happens.
The club refused to pay the £116m that took Elliot Anderson to Man City, while Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes went to Tottenham for £100m and £85m respectively, fees the club wouldn't match. But Scott's fee makes a bit more sense considering his performance levels, the fact he is English, and Premier League-proven.
It seems now that he will likely go elsewhere this summer if he moves at all, and that could be another elite midfield option going to a rival, when Old Trafford continues to call out for top midfield additions.
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