United close in on £165m midfield overhaul as Tielemans medical set and Scott targeted

Manchester United are pushing through a sweeping midfield rebuild this summer, with Youri Tielemans due to undergo his medical on Tuesday after the club triggered his £35 million release clause at Aston Villa. The Belgian international joins Andrey Santos, who was unveiled on Monday, as United accelerate plans under head coach Michael Carrick.

The two deals represent £85 million in spending so far, but United’s midfield business may not be finished. According to David Ornstein on The Athletic FC Podcast, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is a player the club ‘love’ and are actively monitoring as a potential third signing. Ornstein noted that United are seeking a player who can ‘cover ground’ in midfield to complement the qualities of Santos, Tielemans, and their existing options.

Scott, 22, has quickly emerged as one of the Premier League’s most promising midfielders, operating primarily as a No.8 but also capable of filling a No.6 role — a versatility United value highly. Bournemouth are understood to be holding firm at around £80 million for the England youth international, a fee that would bring the total outlay on midfielders this window to approximately £165 million.

The player’s injury history gives United some pause. Scott’s first two seasons on the south coast were disrupted by knee problems, and he did not complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign. However, he started almost every match last season as Bournemouth enjoyed one of their most successful top-flight campaigns to date.

Santos, who arrived from Vasco da Gama, spoke enthusiastically about his move after completing his transfer. “Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented,” the Brazilian said. “As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from Michael Carrick; he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career.”

With Tielemans’s medical imminent and Scott firmly on the radar, United appear intent on reshaping their engine room substantially before the window closes.