PL high-flyers reject 64m bid for United’s top target, maestro remains keen on leaving this summer – report

Manchester United’s plans to revamp their engine room this summer have proven to be a tougher task than first envisaged. The Red Devils were priced out of moves for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, before Tottenham Hotspur hijacked their deal for Mateus Fernandes. Ederson’s failed medical only added to the panic among the fanbase. INEOS did not let these setbacks deter them, as they swiftly completed moves for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. But Michael Carrick had made it clear that he wanted three new additions, but their desired defensive midfielder profile has remained elusive. Alex Scott remains on top of United’s wishlist The 20-time English league champions would love to sign Carlos Baleba, but Brighton & Hove Albion’s asking price remains a worry. Manu Kone has emerged as a target, but Liverpool are threatening to derail the pursuit. In addition, it is well known that the co-owners would prefer a Premier League-proven option. This is where Alex Scott comes in. The Bournemouth ace is high on United’s wishlist, and a move would have materialised by now if not for the Cherries’ asking price. TalkSPORT have now revealed that Chelsea tried to hijack the deal and offered Bournemouth £64 million for their midfield talisman. Chelsea’s £64m bid for Alex Scott rejected The team from the Vitality Stadium have turned down that offer and have claimed that they will not sell the Englishman. It has been reported before that Alex Scott is valued at £80 million, and no bid below that amount will be entertained, despite the former Bristol City ace rejecting contract extension talks. “Bournemouth have rejected a bid of £64million from Chelsea for Alex Scott, talkSPORT understands. “Scott, who is also being targeted by Arsenal and Manchester United, has turned down the offer of a new contract at the Vitality Stadium. United need to act soon “Bournemouth’s stance remains that they expect him to be their player next season even without signing a new deal, although they are believed to value him at £80m.” Whether United use this as fuel to launch their own bid remains to be seen. But it has been relayed by The Peoples Person that player sales are needed before any marquee addition. Otherwise, fans will have to make do with a low-cost alternative. Time is running out fast and INEOS had better act soon. 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