-
TRANSFERS
- 59 minutes ago
Man Utd craft brave transfer plan after ‘backing away’ from dream midfielder
Updated: 24 Jul 2026 12:13 BST |
4 min read
News
Manchester United are prepared to abandon plans to sign a third midfielder if the right market opportunity fails to arrive, according to BBC Sport.
BBC Sport reported earlier in July that United wanted to land another central midfielder following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
The Red Devils acquired Tielemans from Aston Villa for €41million (£35m) and Santos from Chelsea for a package worth up to €58m (£50m).
BBC Sport understands United are considering a number of midfield targets ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
The same publication claims there is interest in Botafogo midfielder Danilo, while the Daily Mail understands Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams is admired.
However, BBC Sport says United are keeping all options on the table this summer, including not signing an additional midfielder.
United’s recruitment team, led by Christopher Vivell, have bided their time in the summer transfer market in an attempt to find value for money.
The 20-time league champions refused to enter bidding wars for Elliot Anderson (€135m/£116m) and Mateus Fernandes (€99m/£85m), who secured big-money moves to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
United reportedly pull out of race to sign Scott
The news comes after the Daily Mirror reported United are backing away from the race to sign Bournemouth star Alex Scott due to the costs involved.
The Mirror claims Michael Carrick’s side value Scott at €46m (£40m), owing to the fact he is yet to represent England’s senior team or compete in the Champions League.
However, the same outlet claims Bournemouth would want in excess of €80m (£70m) if they were to allow Scott to leave - a figure too high for United’s liking.
BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that Chelsea had a €75m (£64m) bid for Scott turned down, with Bournemouth keen to keep hold of him.
STATS
Alex Scott
M, DM (C)
B'mouth
Alex Scott
M, DM (C)
B'mouth
The 22-year-old has just two years left on his contract, however, and The Athletic claims he has turned down “offers” to renew his terms.
Scott is regarded as one of the Premier League's finest midfielders
Scott has developed a reputation as one of the most promising midfielders in the Premier League at Bournemouth.
He played a huge role in them qualifying for next season’s UEFA Europa League by securing an incredible sixth-place finish in 2025-26.
Scott has come close to making his debut for the England senior team, having taken part in a pre-World Cup training camp in the United States.
He helped put the Three Lions squad through their paces in Florida, though he did not feature in the friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Scott was named in England boss Thomas Tuchel’s 55-man provisional squad for the World Cup, however.
He has represented England at youth levels - winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022, and the Under-21 title in 2025.
Related stories:
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal close in on Bruno Guimaraes as Berta targets two priority deals
Transfer Rumours: Arsenal make Yan Diomande move as €100m deal close
