Man Utd Intensifies Efforts to Secure Alex Scott Transfer Amid Bournemouth's Staggering Price Tag

MANCHESTER UNITED are not ruling out a bid for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott despite his £80million valuation.

Scott, 22, is United’s preferred Premier League target after Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City and Mateus Fernandes moved to Hotspur.

Scott had an excellent season with Bournemouth Credit: Getty Images – Getty Scott scored the winner at Arsenal last season Credit: Getty

Anderson’s British record £130million transfer and Fernandes’ £85m switch have seen Premier League clubs hike the valuation of their in-demand midfielders.

Scott has entered the final two years of his Bournemouth contract but was called up by England coach Thomas Tuchel last season and involved in their pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.

Although Scott missed the 26-man cut for Tuchel’s squad, Bournemouth are holding out for what would be a club record fee for a sale.

The Cherries are also keen to tie down Scott on a new contract that would almost certainly include a release clause.

But have not formally ended their interest in Scott as they prepare to welcome back their squad for the start of pre-season on Thursday.

Scott’s teammate, Tyler Adams, has been mentioned as a possible option for United but they are keener on Scott.

Adams turns 28 next season and United’s preference is to recruit targets aged between 22 and 26. Anderson is 23 while Fernandes turns 22 this week.

Real Madrid manager , who would command a similar fee and salary to Casemiro, who left Real for United in a £60m up-front deal on wages of £350,000 a week in 2022.

and are intent on reducing their wage bill following the departures of Casemiro and Jadon Sancho. Marcus Rashford, on £325,000 a week, is for sale.

United head coach Michael Carrick could be without a senior central midfielder for at least half of their six-match pre-season schedule as Kobbie Mainoo remains on international duty with England.

Manuel Ugarte ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Uruguay’s defeat to Spain last month and is sidelined for the rest of the calendar year. United released Casemiro in June.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson is expected to finalise his £35m move to United in the coming days now that Brazil have been eliminated from the World Cup.

Carrick will have to turn to Mason Mount, used in a deep-lying role against Sunderland and Brighton towards the end of last season, alongside academy talents.

Toby Collyer and Dan Gore have made a handful of first-team appearances but spent last season on loan in the Championship and League One.