​Manchester United face a high-stakes battle with their principal rivals, along with AFC Bournemouth, as they make a decisive bid to sign Alex Scott, who has emerged as their top priority in the engine room. The 22-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a standout season with Bournemouth, helping the Cherries secure a place in Europe for the first time in the club’s 127-year history, and his performances have put him at the very top of the targets list for United and several other elite clubs. Across England’s top teams, Scott is in demand, yet Bournemouth remain adamant that he will not depart the south coast this summer.
Scott’s contract at Bournemouth runs until 2028, and talks over a renewal are ongoing, with the talks reportedly including a release clause—a strategy the club used with Antoine Semenyo last year. There is a clear appetite at the Vitality Stadium to resolve the question of the midfielder’s future as a matter of urgency, with Bournemouth keen to avoid any lingering uncertainty as August approaches and the new Premier League campaign begins. However, well-placed sources indicate that the former Bristol City standout, who Bournemouth signed for £25 million in 2023, has rejected the current proposals. That rejection has buoyed his suitors, who believe there remains a path to an exit if the right deal comes along.
Bournemouth are said to remain in discussions with Scott’s camp, with fresh contact anticipated next week, according to Ben Jacobs. After previously failing to land targets such as Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and most recently suffering a notable setback with Aurélien Tchouaméni, United have now identified Scott as their principal target to strengthen midfield depth. Despite Bournemouth’s steadfast position, United are exploring the possibility of an £80 million bid to force Bournemouth’s hand, a move that has the backing of Michael Carrick, and Scott is reportedly open to a switch to Old Trafford. However, the 22-year-old could also negotiate options elsewhere, including a move to the blue half of Manchester or a title-chasing club in North London.
Speaking on the United Stand, Jacobs asserted that Manchester United are expected to enter formal talks for Scott, underlining that he is currently United’s top target. Arsenal remain firmly in the mix as well, having had an inquiry turned away by Bournemouth last week. The Gunners have since shifted their attention toward Bruno Guimarães but could revisit a Scott pursuit if Newcastle United resist selling their captain. Jacobs also notes that Manchester City have made direct contact with Bournemouth in recent weeks, with Pep Guardiola previously praising Scott as an “unbelievable player.” He suggests City, alongside Arsenal and United, have shown the most aggressive pursuit of the England under-21 international.
Chelsea have also conducted due diligence on Scott, having first expressed interest as far back as March. While they have not mounted a fresh challenge recently, the door remains slightly ajar for a late move should the dynamics shift. In what could be a telling development for Chelsea and the wider transfer landscape, a separate report hints at strategic considerations that could influence the timing and manner of any potential bid from the London club. For now, Bournemouth’s stance remains firm, even as the club contends with the likelihood that their prized asset could be lured away by one of Europe’s heavyweights in the near future.