Dream Man Utd signing lined up for a new contract - but with a release clause

Updated: 9 Jun 2026 14:45 BST | 5 min read

Anderson Scott Tchouameni Man Utd — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

Bournemouth are prepared to offer Alex Scott a new contract containing a release clause as they look to dash Manchester United’s hopes of signing the midfielder this summer, according to The Athletic.

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Scott has fast become one of the Premier League’s most promising young players, with the 22-year-old having a huge hand in Bournemouth qualifying for next season’s Europa League after finishing sixth last term.

With his superb ball-carrying skills having caught the eye, Scott is currently being monitored by United, as per widespread reports, as they look to revamp their midfield in the summer transfer window, which opens for Premier League clubs on Monday, 15 June.

STATS

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

Alex Scott

M, DM (C)

B'mouth

39

Games
4

Goals
1

Assists

BBC Sport understands the Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, while Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson remains their dream target.

However, one club who are keen to stop United in their tracks is Bournemouth, who The Athletic understand are willing to insert an €86million (£75m) release clause into a prospective new contract for Scott.

The former Bristol City man has just two years remaining on his current deal and therefore Bournemouth are hoping to increase his value - which The Athletic say currently stands at around €69m (£60m) - by tying him to fresh terms.

Bournemouth has previous form on this front, having inserted a €74m (£64m) release clause into a five-year contract that was signed by Antoine Semenyo in July 2025. Manchester City went on to trigger that option, which was only active for the first two weeks of last season's January transfer window.

The same publication understands the Cherries are not willing to sell Scott this summer, however, regardless of whether a new contract can be agreed with the player’s representatives.

Amid the speculation linking Scott with United, his Bournemouth team-mate Tyler Adams has praised the midfielder for taking a “huge step” in his progression last season.

In an interview with talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Adams - who is currently preparing for the World Cup with co-hosts United States - said: “Super, super excited [to see Scott training with the England senior team]. He had a great season, I think he took a huge step forward this season.

“We could all see the talent that he had and what he is capable of. You know, he’s been my partner in the midfield for the entire season for the most part and we balance really well next to each other.

“Like I told him going into that England camp, like, anything can happen and you have to be ready for your opportunity if it comes.”

Scott is currently training with England ahead of World Cup

While Scott has not been included in England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, he will be hoping to make his senior debut when Thomas Tuchel’s side face Costa Rica in their final pre-tournament friendly tomorrow.

The Three Lions geared up for FIFA’s flagship competition - which gets under way on Thursday - by beating New Zealand 1-0 last Saturday, with captain Harry Kane scoring the only goal in Tampa, Florida.

England face Croatia in their opening World Cup fixture on Wednesday, 17 June before they take on Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June and then Panama four days later in Group L.

Meanwhile United are on the verge of making Ederson their first signing of the summer after agreeing a €40.5million (£35m) deal with Atalanta for the 26-year-old midfielder, according to BBC Sport.

The completion of the deal may be delayed, however, after Ederson was drafted into Brazil’s World Cup squad last Sunday following an injury sustained to Roma defender Wesley.

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