Man Utd finally use unique advantage to unlock €45m January transfer

Suraj Radia

Updated: 17 Dec 2025 08:49 GMT
4 min read

Ruben Amorim, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Manchester United could finally utilise a unique advantage during the January transfer that would help Ruben Amorim pull off the signing of a crucial star this winter.

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Amorim is desperate to bring in a midfielder during the winter, particularly with Kobbie Mainoo looking increasingly likely to leave, while Bruno Fernandes’ future has come into question this week after he admitted he felt like he was on ‘thin ice’ at Old Trafford.

With Casemiro also looking likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, United are keen to add at least two elite midfielders to their squad in 2026.

While the club’s top targets include the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, it is unlikely that United will be able to make those signings until the summer since their pricetags could exceed €80 million.

Instead, The Sun report that United have begun monitoring Alex Scott, who has established himself as a standout player for Bournemouth this season, which led to his first England call-up last month.

Compared

Tyler Adams

DM (C)

B'mouth

Tyler Adams

DM (C)

B'mouth

VS

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

€25.9M	ETV	€28M
€23.3M - €28.5M	ETV Range	€25.2M - €30.8M
26 years old (14 Feb, 1999)	Age	22 years old (21 Aug, 2003)
United States	Nationality	England

The 22-year-old has been scouted alongside teammate Tyler Adams, who could also be the subject of a €45 million approach by United in January, particularly with the Red Devils finding a way to finance the deal with another departure next month.

Man Utd to emulate Chelsea by utilising sister club links

Reports in France have linked Manuel Ugarte with a loan move to Nice, who are a part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group that also co-own United – a link which they have previously been reluctant to use.

© IMAGO - Alex Scott has been identified as Man Utd's latest midfield transfer target.

In comparison, United’s rivals Chelsea have regularly made dealings with their affiliate side Strasbourg, with six players leaving Stamford Bridge for the French outfit during the summer, and it appears Ratcliffe may be ready to take a leaf out of his the Blues’ books.

Ugarte’s departure could free up the resources for a January move, although the Uruguayan is thought to be reluctant to move to Nice, while United may only sanction his departure if they can sign another replacement,<b> particularly if Mainoo does leave the club.

However, Scott is likely to be among United’s targets for a move next year, while Adams may prove a more affordable target, with Bournemouth set to the be the subject of a raid by Amorim’s side as they look to revamp their midfield in the coming months.

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