Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Alex Scott after refusing to meet Bournemouth’s £70million valuation.
The Mirror reports that United were prepared to pay around £40million for the midfielder. Bournemouth have remained firm in demanding more than £70million for one of their leading players.
The Cherries do not need to sell Scott and have attempted to agree a new contract with the 22-year-old. However, he has rejected several proposals and is expected to decide his future within the next fortnight.
Arsenal are also interested and Scott is reportedly leaning towards a move to the Emirates Stadium. He is said to have concerns over how regularly he would play under Mikel Arteta. That preference remains a reported position rather than confirmation that an agreement has been reached.
Manchester United Alex Scott transfer abandoned over price
United contacted Bournemouth earlier in the window as Michael Carrick searched for a third midfield addition.
ReadManUtd previously reported that Scott’s rejection of a new Bournemouth contract had encouraged United. No formal bid followed, despite the midfielder remaining high on the club’s shortlist.
Carrick has already added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to his midfield. United still want another player capable of providing greater athleticism and defensive cover, but will now focus on alternative targets.
Carlos Baleba has again been offered as a potential option by those close to the Brighton midfielder. Manu Koné, Sander Berge and several other midfielders have also featured in United’s recruitment discussions.
The Manchester United Alex Scott transfer is therefore considered off unless Bournemouth reduce their valuation. United admire the player, but the club will not enter a bidding war or move substantially beyond its internal price.
