Manchester United are prepared to end their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes unless the Championship club lowers its asking price, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott now emerging as the club’s preferred alternative.
Strengthening central midfield remains one of United’s top priorities after securing a return to the UEFA Champions League under Michael Carrick. The Red Devils have already completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta, but recruitment plans include adding at least one more player in the middle of the park before the transfer window closes.
Fernandes has been one of United’s leading targets throughout the summer, and the Portugal international is understood to favour a move to Old Trafford despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur. However, negotiations with West Ham have stalled over the Championship club’s valuation.
According to recent reports, West Ham are demanding at least £80 million before entering serious negotiations, a figure Manchester United believe is significantly above the player’s market value. Rather than matching those demands, United are now exploring other options.
Alex Scott has quickly become the leading alternative. The Bournemouth midfielder has long been admired by United’s recruitment team, who believe he offers similar qualities while potentially costing less than Fernandes. Club officials are increasingly confident that an agreement could eventually be reached for a fee below West Ham’s asking price.
Signing Scott will not be straightforward, however. Bournemouth have made it clear they have no intention of selling one of their key players and want him to remain part of Marco Rose’s long-term plans. Scott, 22, is regarded as one of the club’s most important young talents after continuing his development since arriving from Bristol City in 2023.
Despite Bournemouth’s stance, United believe negotiations could become possible if they submit the right offer later in the transfer window. Their willingness to pursue Scott also reflects a determination not to overpay, with the club increasingly focused on maintaining financial discipline in the transfer market.
The Red Devils’ cautious approach comes as Tottenham continue to push hard for Fernandes. Spurs are reportedly willing to meet both West Ham’s valuation and the midfielder’s wage demands, leaving United facing the prospect of missing out unless circumstances change.
For now, Fernandes has not been ruled out completely, but United’s patience appears to be wearing thin. Unless West Ham soften their position, the focus is expected to shift increasingly towards Scott, who is now viewed internally as the more attainable midfield addition.
With Ederson already through the door and another midfielder still high on Carrick’s wish list, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether Manchester United continue their pursuit of Fernandes or make a decisive move for Bournemouth’s highly-rated playmaker.
