Man United plan to 'steal a march' on Chelsea to sign Alex Scott after twist
Manchester United are perparing to step up their pursuit of Bournemouth star Alex Scott after he rejected a new contract.
The 22-year-old established himself as a crucial part of the starting XI under Andoni Iraola last season, and looked set to do so again following Marco Rose's arrival.
However, those performances attracted interest from a number of the Premier League's leading clubs, and he is now edging closer to a move away from the Vitality Stadium.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Michael Carrick's side are looking to capitalise after talks over the offer of a new contract fell through.
Despite having initial concerns about where the England Under-21 international would fit into their starting XI, they are keen to prevent him joining their rivals.
Could Man United make a move to sign Alex Scott?
Brown told Football Insider on 7 July that Man United are keeping a close eye on Scott, but could wait until next season before making a formal move for his signature.
However, after he decided to turn down the offer of a contract extension at Bournemouth, clubs have been alerted to his potential availability this summer.
Man United could step up their interest as a result, and hope to beat their rivals to his signature despite still having reservations over a deal.
"It's a difficult one to predict what's going to happen with Alex Scott," Brown told Football Insider.
"He's a top young player and had a great season for Bournemouth, but in an ideal world, Man United would wait for him to prove himself over another season before making a move.
"Having said that, they will be reluctant to see a player they really like end up moving somewhere else, because Liverpool and Chelsea are also keen.
"Bournemouth don't want to lose him, that's why they've tried to get him tied down to a new contract, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.
"If he's not signing a new contract, then those interested clubs will all be seeing whether or not he could be allowed to leave, and Man United do not want to miss out.
"I don't think he's perfect, by any means, and I'm not sure he's the right type of player because they want a replacement for Casemiro.
"But he is somebody they rate very highly, and if the option is to make a move now or watch him move to Liverpool or Chelsea, then they could be tempted to move now and get ahead."
What is the latest on Scott's contract at Bournemouth?
Bournemouth are extremely reluctant to lose key players this summer, having been raided last year, and hoped a contract extension could tempt Scott to stick around.
Any new deal would have included a hefty release clause, similar to what they did with Brazil winger Rayan, as well as a wage increase to convince him to stay.
Football Insider revealed on 5 July that Bournemouth are hopeful of making progress in contract talks with Scott, and are working hard to agree terms.
However, the midfielder's camp has informed Bournemouth that there are no plans for him to sign a new deal, and he will instead assess his options in the transfer market.
Reports have claimed Chelsea have made the first move to sign him, with Xabi Alonso leading a squad overhaul, but Man United could now be tempted to step up their interest.