United close in on Ederson and Santos as £80m Alex Scott bid targets midfield gap

Manchester United are closing in on a double midfield addition this summer, with Atalanta and Brazil international Ederson set to join in a £38.8m deal and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos already secured for £50m — yet head coach Michael Carrick is still seeking the star-quality signing that Old Trafford supporters are demanding.

The urgency behind United’s midfield rebuild stems from Casemiro’s departure, a situation made more pressing by Manuel Ugarte’s recent injury. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow is also set to arrive on a free transfer from Leeds United, giving Carrick three new faces before the season begins — though none of the trio has been universally viewed as a statement of Premier League title ambitions.

United had targeted Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali in the same position, but were priced out of all three deals as rival Premier League clubs moved faster in an inflated market. With Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount currently the only established options beyond the two Brazilian signings, the need for a third midfield reinforcement is acute.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has emerged as the primary target to fill that role. The 22-year-old made 37 Premier League appearances last season, drawing attention across the division for his ball retention, duel-winning and ability to operate as a roaming box-to-box playmaker. Reports indicate Scott would welcome a move to Old Trafford, which United’s hierarchy will view as an important factor in any approach.

The obstacle is Bournemouth’s valuation. The Cherries have placed an £80m price tag on the Guernsey-born midfielder and are simultaneously working to tie him down to a new contract — a combination designed to deter suitors. United’s recent transfer activity suggests they are willing to spend, but matching that figure for a player who has yet to earn a senior England cap would represent a significant statement of intent.

Carrick’s midfield, as currently constructed, pairs Santos and Ederson as the likely first-choice engine room. Adding Scott would give United a third high-quality option in that area and address the creative, progressive dimension that the Brazilian duo may not fully provide on their own. Whether the club moves quickly enough to beat Bournemouth’s attempts to extend Scott’s contract could define the shape of United’s season before a ball is kicked.