English team rejects enquiry for in-demand midfield maestro, United must not be deterred – BBC

Manchester United have been forced to explore alternative midfield targets following their disappointing pursuit of Mateus Fernandes. West Ham’s asking price and Tottenham Hotspur’s determination to win the race have crippled INEOS’ dreams of landing the Portugal international. The co-owners, who prefer Premier League-proven performers, have pivoted to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott in case they end up losing the race. The Englishman is not going to come cheap, with reports indicating the Cherries will demand at least £75 million to part ways with their talisman. United are now looking at Alex Scott Multiple sides are monitoring the former Bristol City ace, but Arsenal are thought to be United’s biggest competition. The BBC have now reported that the Gunners did launch an enquiry for the 22-year-old, but they have met with an immediate response. Bournemouth have no intention of letting Alex Scott leave this summer as they prepare to play European football for the first time in their history. “Bournemouth have rejected an enquiry from Arsenal for Alex Scott and say the midfielder is not for sale this summer. Arsenal receive swift response “The Premier League champions want to sign a new central midfielder, with the 22-year-old understood to be one of their targets. “Scott is also attracting serious interest from other Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea. “But Bournemouth have communicated their intention to keep the former Bristol City player and are keen to agree an extension to his current contract, which has two years left to run.” United also have Ayyoub Bouaddi and Aurelien Tchouameni as options outside the English top flight, and the ball is now in INEOS’ court. United must back Carrick Following Manuel Ugarte’s injury, Michael Carrick needs at least two more midfielders alongside Ederson, and the co-owners must back the head coach. While promoting academy stars is an option, United cannot afford to go into the new campaign light on quality, given they will have to compete on four fronts. Feature image Ryan Pierse via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25