Manchester United have turned their attention to midfield alternatives after missing out on Mateus Fernandes, with Alex Scott being one of the names atop the shortlist.
Fernandes’ record-breaking £85 million move from West Ham to Tottenham Hotspur was announced this morning.
INEOS move to Scott after Fernandes snub
United have no time to lick their wounds and rue the fact they’ve missed out on yet another target after Elliot Anderson. After all, if they weren’t willing to match the transfer fees quoted, then they’re best off looking solely at players within INEOS’ price range.
Scott could well be one. Bournemouth are said to have valued him in the region of £60m, but after watching Anderson leave Nottingham Forest for a whopping £116m, they’re likely to increase their demands.
Even still, United are hoping they could negotiate a lower sum by including add-ons to make their prospective offer more enticing for the Cherries.
How has Scott fared with the Cherries?
The 22-year-old has racked up 80 Premier League appearances since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in a £25m switch in 2023.
After playing a more rotational role in his maiden season at the Vitality Stadium, Scott is now a nailed-on starter and has played a pivotal role in the Dorset outfit going from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola over the last three seasons.
However, the fact that Iraola, who hailed Scott as an ‘amazing’ talent, has now departed may have prompted the U21 England starlet to consider his future, too.
"He's been very consistent, playing at a very high level"
Andoni Iraola on Alex Scott 🌟 pic.twitter.com/MdEovcOzjI
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2026
There is no guarantee that Bournemouth will be able to replicate their stunning form under new head coach Marco Rose, especially with the addition of European football in their fixture list for the first time.
"The manager gives me a lot of confidence"
Alex Scott reflects on his increasing influence and Bournemouth’s campaign so far ⭐
🎙 @Becky_Ives_ | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Ze1X7CVc6L
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 28, 2026
What one journalist is hearing about Scott and United
Aware of growing interest from Arsenal and United, Bournemouth are actively working to agree a new contract with Scott in hopes of adding a release clause to his terms. They are yet to have any joy in talks, though.
Weighing in on the situation on The Athletic FC podcast, journalist Mark Critchley said of the Guernsey native: “United are definitely interested [in Scott], there’s been contact there.
“Bournemouth absolutely don’t want to sell, as we’ve mentioned before. I think he’s a bit more of a similar profile to Fernandes and [Kobbie] Mainoo, rather than the Casemiro replacement. But that’s a name [United are considering].”
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