Manchester United have reportedly lined up five alternative targets, including Alex Scott, after losing out on Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham.
Spurs on Tuesday won the race for the West Ham man with a £85million offer, a figure Man Utd were unwilling to match.
Michael Carrick and INEOS have moved on quickly, and are said to be turning attentions to Bournemouth’s Scott, Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund and France star Aurelien Tchouameni.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Fulham’s Sander Berge are also on the Red Devil’s radar as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of their return to Champions League football.
Scott is high on United’s list, according to Ben Jacobs, but the Cherries are extremely reluctant to sell as they look to instead extend the midfielder’s contract, which currently runs until 2028. They are said value Scott at around £80m.
Man Utd also retain interest in Baleba and Berge, while Sandro Tonali is appreciated but is in advanced talks over a move to Spurs.
The Manchester Evening News reported United did not believe either Elliot Anderson (£116m) and Mateus Fernandes (£85m) were worth the transfer fees paid by Manchester City and Spurs, respectively.
In the same report, Tchouameni is described as a dream signing for United, while namechecking - alongside The Athletic - Germany international Nmecha as a target.
Nmecha, 25, currently plays for Dortmund, having come through the youth ranks at Man City, and is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League, with United reportedly having explored a summer deal.
The Red Devils may have an ace up their sleeve: current director of football Jason Wilcox was academy director at City during Nmecha’s time there.
Nmecha impressed on international duty at the World Cup with Germany, who were on Monday knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32.
Carrick’s options are limited after Casemiro’s departure on a free transfer, so a midfielder remains a top priority.
Currently, their only orthodox option is Kobbie Mainoo after Manuel Ugarte was been ruled out for between nine and 12 months with a ligament injury sustained in Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain.
Bruno Fernandes can operate there, but suits the attacking midfield role best, so strengthening the squad there is vital for United’s aspirations next season.
Carrick took over as interim manager in January after Ruben Amorim’s sacking. He was made permanent manager on May 22 after achieving Champions League qualification.
