Manchester United Step Up Alex Scott Interest Ahead of Summer Window

Man Utd are tracking Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott amid Premier League interest, while also scouting young options abroad this summer.

Michael Carrick was back at Carrington on Wednesday for his first full day as interim head coach of Manchester United, while the club weighs up its long-term options.

Big-name signings are unlikely in the short term, but United will certainly be putting the groundwork in for their top summer transfer targets.

That has brought Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott into the frame.

Alex Scott Transfer News

United are among several clubs tracking Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott ahead of next summer.

Bournemouth want to keep hold of the 22-year-old, who has developed into a regular Premier League starter since arriving from Bristol City in 2023.

They will face competition, though. Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham are all keeping tabs on Scott, who has just over two years left on his contract.

Bournemouth are under no immediate pressure to sell, which strengthens their negotiating position.

Scott has featured in all 21 of the Cherries’ Premier League games this season and has quietly become one of the league’s more reliable all-round midfielders.

For United, it’s clear why there is appeal. Scott fits the age profile, the stylistic requirements and the kind of football United want to play.

His game aligns neatly with the principles of Michael Carrick’s tactics, particularly in how United want to progress the ball through midfield rather than bypass it.

However. it’s unlikely that Carrick will be manager come the summer, with Oliver Glasner being lined up as Ruben Amroim’s successor for the permanent job.

How Much Would Alex Scott Cost?

The problem is the price tag.

Scott is unlikely to command the kind of fee that Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba or Elliot Anderson would, but Bournemouth won’t let him go cheaply.

At 22, Premier League-proven and under contract, he offers a tonne of value, and you’re probably looking at a fee in the £40–50 million range.

United’s interest appears genuine, but it also feels conditional. If their primary midfield targets prove unattainable, Scott becomes a more realistic – and arguably more sensible – option.

If Bournemouth dig in, United may be forced to look elsewhere, either younger or further afield.

Man Utd Midfield Targets

Alongside Scott, Baleba, Anderson, and Wharton, United have reportedly entered the race for Ecuadorian defensive midfielder Ederson Castillo.

Castillo is just 17 and doesn’t turn 18 until the end of the year, but his performances have already drawn interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.

Real Madrid are monitoring him, while Barcelona have reportedly offered a trial and a potential contract.

This is a very different type of move to the aforementioned targets. Castillo has limited experience at senior level, and there are no guarantees about his development.

But the logic is bringing in a low-risk, high-upside player before the market inflates.

If United are serious about rebuilding rather than patching, this is the kind of deal that has to be part of the strategy.