PL side ready to derail United’s transfer plans with lucrative deal for “top-class midfielder” – report

Manchester United are looking to add more quality to their midfield this year and have been linked with several players for the job. Premier League-proven names are likely to high up on the priority list for INEOS, following in last summer’s transfer strategy that has already paid dividends. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba was linked with a move to Old Trafford before the start of this season, and recent reports suggest that the Cameroonian is still on the Red Devils’ agenda. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has already endeared himself to the United hierarchy following his spectacular rise with the West Bridgford club in recent times. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is reportedly another name on the Red Devils’ shortlist. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person has also named Bournemouth’s Alex Scott as a target ahead of this summer. Premier League’s rising star Scott spent some of his formative years at the Vitality Stadium before returning permanently to the club from Bristol City in 2023. He was in and out of Andoni Iraola’s starting XI last season, but has come into his own in the current campaign. The Englishman has registered 23 appearances in all competitions this season for the Cherries, all but three of which have been starts. Alex Scott Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League211—2—1,420′ FA Cup11—1—112′ EFL Cup1————90′ Total232—3—1,622′ Source: Transfermarkt. A recent report from The Sun states that United are serious about their pursuit of the 22 year old, and have him on their four-man shortlist, which also includes Baleba, Wharton and Anderson. The Red Devils are prioritising a new No. 6 this summer, and are assembling resources to get a deal done. Scott’s attributes make him an enticing option for INEOS, but a recent update on the player’s future will cause a few frowns behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Bournemouth planning Scott’s renewal According to TEAMtalk, Bournemouth are aware of the rising interest in their prized asset, whose contract expires in 2026, and are already planning to tie him down to a new deal. “We can reveal that a number of sides are keeping close tabs on Scott. Man Utd, Man City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have all been following his progress very closely. Tottenham Hotspur have also been watching, but the impending arrival of Conor Gallagher would seemingly put an end to that.” “Scott comes into 2026 with just over two years left on his current deal, and sources also confirm that Bournemouth are ready to reward the player with an extension that rewards both his progress as a top-class midfielder, but also secures his future to the Vitality Stadium.” “The club, who could see head coach Iraola depart this summer given he is due to be out of contract, do not want to merely lose all their prized assets whenever they mature into top-line options.” Final Thoughts Bournemouth are known to be shrewd negotiators, and prising Scott away will only get costlier if he signs a new deal at the Vitality Stadium in the next few months. Meanwhile, United will also have to ward off the rising interest in the Englishman if they want to secure his signature this summer. However, Scott could yet turn out to be the most achievable of the Red Devils’ four midfield targets this year. Featured image Dan Mullan 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.