Alex Scott rejects Bournemouth contract offers as United target Tchouameni for midfield rebuild

Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements under new permanent manager Michael Carrick has taken a significant step forward, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott rejecting multiple contract offers from the Cherries and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni identified as a second priority target.

Scott, whose current deal at Bournemouth runs until 2028, is reported by The Athletic to be United’s top midfield target despite the south-coast club insisting he is not available this summer. His refusal to sign a new contract will be interpreted as a strong signal of intent to push for a move to Old Trafford, where he has long been admired. United’s earlier pursuit of Mateus Fernandes ended when the Portuguese midfielder joined Tottenham for £85m.

Filling the void left by Casemiro remains the club’s stated priority heading into the window. Ederson is expected to arrive from Atalanta imminently, but United are understood to want a second midfield addition, with Scott topping that list.

Tchouaméni has also entered the picture, with reports claiming United have made contact with Real Madrid over a potential move for the France international. The Spanish club are said to value the 25-year-old at around £85m.

Former France and AC Milan defender Marcel Desailly has publicly backed the move, arguing Tchouaméni would thrive in the Premier League and provide the leadership United need in the centre of the pitch. “I’m sure Aurélien Tchouaméni would move to the Premier League, and Manchester United is still a massive club; a massive name,” Desailly told Sportscasting.com. “He had a difficult season, but at least he shows leadership. I believe that he has that little bit of leadership and the desire to bring the team all together. So it could be a good move for him, just like when Raphaël Varane swapped Madrid for Manchester back in the day.”

Carrick, who guided United to a third-place Premier League finish after taking the reins permanently, will oversee Champions League football at Old Trafford next season — a factor that could prove decisive in attracting top-tier midfield talent this summer.