Manchester United Eyes £80m Midfielder Amid Liverpool Competition

Manchester United is preparing to enter the summer transfer window with ambitions to strengthen its midfield, facing competition from Liverpool over England international Alex Scott.

Michael Carrick, overseeing his first summer transfer window at Old Trafford, could benefit from recent developments within the England squad. Thomas Tuchel’s team is currently preparing for their campaign kickoff in the United States, with a match against Croatia scheduled for next Wednesday. Several players initially taken to the US are not expected to participate in that game, potentially allowing them to focus on the upcoming club season instead.

Transfer Targets and Strategic Moves

United appears to have a backup plan in place as it pursues a new midfield dynamo, following reports that the club will avoid the £120million bidding war for Elliot Anderson. Instead, the club plans to focus on more attainable targets such as Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, both estimated to cost around £80million.

Scott, who was called up for England’s pre-World Cup friendlies under Thomas Tuchel, is expected to leave the England setup after these matches. This departure could facilitate transfer negotiations and allow Scott to undergo a medical examination if an agreement is reached between United and Bournemouth. The 22-year-old was acquired by Bournemouth from Bristol City in the summer of 2023 for approximately £25million and has since proven his ability at the Premier League level.

Competition and New Signings

Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola has also been linked with a move for Scott, indicating that United may need to act quickly to secure the midfielder’s signature. Meanwhile, United is close to finalizing a £39million deal for Ederson from Atalanta, though his transfer will likely be delayed due to his late selection for Brazil’s World Cup squad.

Additional Midfield Interest

Another midfielder attracting United’s attention is Mamadou Sangare from Lens. Reports from Foot Mercato suggest that United is ready to offer £35million for the 23-year-old, who enjoyed a standout season in Ligue 1. Lens recently won the Coupe de France and finished second in the French top division. With manager Pierre Sage moving to Crystal Palace, Sangare might also leave the club.

Sangare’s transfer would align with United’s strategy of pursuing promising but lesser-known talents who fit the profile Carrick aims to build. The Mali international joined Lens from Rapid Vienna last summer and quickly established himself in European competition. This potential deal represents one of the more budget-friendly options currently available to United.