Man Utd Hold Talks to Sign Alex Scott Instead of Mateus Fernandes

He studied journalism at the University of South Wales and published a football book, named Bluebird Heaven, around the same time with Pitch Publishing.

Since then, Jamie has continued to specialise in football journalism, PR and football-related Spanish translation. He has worked with a number of media companies, including Reach PCL, Iconic Group and many more over a decade-long career. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account Manchester United's stance on Alex Scott is now becoming clearer as they continue their bid to land another midfielder this summer. The Red Devils have already snapped up Ederson from Atalanta, but it's clear Michael Carrick wants more depth in the middle of the park heading into next season.

United need to find a replacement for Casemiro, but they also seem to be interested in box-to-box midfielders who can produce at the top-end of the pitch, and it seems there are a couple of options.

United have reportedly been engaged in talks over West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is certain to be on the move this summer. But they have competition, with Tottenham reportedly pushing to land the 21-year-old this summer.

Carrick and Co are still said to be pushing to land Fernandes, but they do have another option in AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott.

UtdDistrict journalist Nadd wrote on X: "We very recently had talks with Alex Scott's reps. Mateus is still the priority, but Scott is one to keep an eye out, he's moved up the list."

Both Scott and Fernandes are likely to cost around £80million this summer, according to GMS sources, and while there may have been wiggle room with Fernandes due to West Ham's relegation, interest from other clubs now likely means it will be the full price or nothing.

Scott is coming off an excellent season with Bournemouth, and he came close to winning a World Cup call-up, earning a place on the England training camp as a back-up in case of injury.

Back when Scott was called up for England for the first time in November, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel said: "He had an excellent Euros. He won the title and Lee was full of praise. He did an excellent job in midfield together with Elliot Anderson who is now a regular starter for us.

“It was very impressive but then he took another step and becomes a very regular starter now for Bournemouth and they are in the top third of the league. They are overperforming constantly. He puts intensity in and he gets his minutes."

The dilemma for United is how much they spend on a more attacking midfielder like Scott, given they have a clear need for a starting holding midfielder, and if they address both positions, it's likely to cost them huge money. On the flip side, if they get Fernandes, he is a player who can play a little further back and hold down the fort, even though he is not an out-and-out holding midfielder.

It is a huge boost for Manchester United as other clubs circle one of their top transfer targets