The Athletic: Big Boost for Man Utd as ‘fantastic’ top target refuses to extend his contract with EPL club

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Alex Scott, who has reportedly rejected Bournemouth’s contract renewal offer.

The Red Devils have secured the services of Ederson, who will soon finalise his £39 million transfer from Atalanta.

But with Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte set for a long spell on the treatment table, another two midfield acquisitions are required at Carrington. And yet, the identity of the new arrivals remains shrouded in mystery, with a host of profiles linked to the club.

Alex Scott refuses to commit his future to Bournemouth

Over the past few days, Man Utd have accelerated their pursuit of Casemiro’s successor, with Aurelien Tchouameni considered the ‘perfect’ candidate for the role, and Andrey Santos also reappearing on the shortlist.

Nevertheless, Alex Scott remains one of the club’s main targets, especially after missing out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, who signed for Man City and Spurs, respectively.

The 22-year-old has been developing his game at Bournemouth since making the £20 million move from Bristol City in 2023.

With his contract expiring in June 2028, the Cherries are hellbent on securing his services on a long-term deal.

But according to The Athletic, Scott continues to resist his employers’ attempts by turning down their contract renewal offers.

This update will be music to the ears of Man Utd, as the source also confirms the club’s interest in the Guernsey native, with Arsenal also lurking.

Why Scott is a different profile compared to Man Utd’s other midfield targets

Scott, who has been described as a ‘fantastic’ option by Fabrizio Romano, is said to be valued at £80 million in this inflated market.

Nevertheless, Bournemouth might find themselves forced to accept a slightly lower offer, as keeping the contract rebel beyond the summer could be risky business. After all, the midfielder’s price tag will be splashed once he enters the final year of his contract next summer.

Scott primarily plays as a box-to-box midfielder, so he shouldn’t be considered an alternative to Tchouameni, but perhaps a fallback option after failing to land Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.

(Stats via DataMB)

The Bournemouth player’s stats show he carries the ball forward better than Man Utd’s other targets, who operate in deeper roles.

The dynamic England international would add depth and versatility to Michael Carrick’s midfield department, while his young age means he still has a large room for improvement.