Manchester United have reportedly made contact regarding Scott! A detailed breakdown of 10 candidates to replace Casemiro, and who might be the best fit

Sky Sports reports that Manchester United have contacted Bournemouth to gather information on England midfielder Alex Scott. In response, Bournemouth made it clear that Scott is a crucial part of Marko Ross's squad, having played nearly every match last season (only one absence), and the club intends to renew his contract while rejecting any proposals. However, Sky Sports adds that if a transfer fee of £80 million is offered, Bournemouth would agree to sell. Currently, Manchester United and Arsenal are considered the most likely clubs to sign him.

The most important new signings Manchester United want this summer are all focused on midfield. Carrick expects to bring in at least two, possibly three new midfielders, as 34-year-old Casemiro's contract is nearing its end. United are well aware that no single player can replace "Fat Tiger," especially given his contributions last season.

Currently, United's primary target is West Ham's Matheus Fernandes, but the 21-year-old Portuguese is by no means the only option. The club is simultaneously contacting many players to assess potential transfer costs, then proceeding based on tactical and financial feasibility. Players who have already proven themselves in the Premier League are given priority.

Last season, Casemiro scored a career-high nine league goals, a feat that is unlikely to be replicated. Even though M. Fernandes enjoyed a high status at a relegated West Ham side, he managed only five goals. Expecting him to double that tally at United is nearly impossible.

United need a new signing to replicate Casemiro's role, particularly his defensive aggressiveness. Among all Premier League players this season, only Everton's James Garner has been involved in more tackles and interceptions.

Casemiro could cover every position across the midfield and even the entire pitch. If United look across Europe for someone who can replace that function, Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni would perfectly fit the bill—he was the "Galácticos'" chosen successor to Casemiro.

The 26-year-old Tchouameni has also been caught up in transfer speculation after a fight with teammate Federico Valverde near the end of last season. But purely on the pitch, few midfielders control the tempo of a game better than Tchouameni. He often passes between center-backs, transitioning the ball to forward teammates to launch new attacks.

Like Casemiro, Tchouameni is not afraid to take proactive defensive actions when Real Madrid lose possession. His tackle success rate of 57% was the fifth-highest among La Liga midfielders last season.

Manchester United scouts and management have personally watched Tchouameni this season, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe regards him as a dream target. If Real Madrid are willing to sell, the Red Devils would be at the front of the queue. However, reports that Real Madrid are open to offers for Tchouameni remain brief speculation.

Last season, Tchouameni made 49 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions, including 13 consecutive Champions League starts—a run that ended only when he was suspended for the second leg of the quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Tchouameni himself has not expressed a desire to leave Real Madrid.

However, internal uncertainties at Real Madrid have given United hope, so they are actively contacting relevant parties to ensure they are the first to know if Tchouameni decides to move. Mourinho's arrival has slowed this process; "The Special One" needs to weigh his own rebuilding plans and feasibility. Any decision on Tchouameni's future will not be revealed until after the World Cup concludes in mid-July.

Any new midfielder United sign must meet one condition: compatibility with Kobbie Mainoo. The 21-year-old England midfielder has signed a new contract and will be a long-term starter and even core player. The new signing must be able to play alongside him, complementing Carrick's 4-2-3-1 system.

Mainoo is completely different from Casemiro. Although his defensive involvement has improved since Carrick took over, interceptions and tackles are still not his strengths. Mainoo's advantage lies in his calm ball control and ability to withstand pressure, helping United move the ball forward. When attacking, he often drifts to the left, receives passes, and combines with forward teammates.

Therefore, United need to find a midfielder with strong athleticism and defensive prowess to neutralize counter-attacking threats. The shortlist mainly consists of Premier League midfielders—a model that Ratcliffe and INEOS found successful last season.

United's initial first choice was Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. He is the absolute core of Victor Pereira's system, with most of the team's buildup going through him. Data shows that Anderson accounted for 16% of Forest's total passes last season, while no other teammate exceeded 10%.

Anderson frequently passes the ball forward to attackers, with 369 line-breaking passes—almost double that of the second-highest teammate, defender Neco Williams with 179.

Anderson's tenacity and his ability to read the game are also outstanding. He contributed 302 ball recoveries—a stat that may not be as flashy as goals or assists but is crucial, akin to rebounds in basketball. The 23-year-old England international often regains possession in the right areas to launch another attack. The second-highest ball recoveries in the Premier League this season belonged to Wolves' Andre, with only 206.

Therefore, it's no surprise that Manchester City are willing to spend £130 million to snatch Anderson—he will undergo a medical with City on Friday. United cannot afford such a price; their record signing remains Paul Pogba for £86 million a decade ago. That sum is not enough for Anderson, as Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis holds a strong negotiating position—Anderson's contract runs until 2029, and the team was not relegated.

So United have had to turn to West Ham's M. Fernandes. Although this player has unfortunately suffered relegation in two consecutive seasons with different clubs, he was one of the most consistent and outstanding performers for his team on both occasions.

M. Fernandes initially played as an attacking midfielder before dropping back to a defensive midfield role, helping Nuno Espírito Santo's team improve their form. The "Hammers" relegation cannot be blamed on M. Fernandes—he did his best.

This player can win possession anywhere on the pitch and immediately pass or dribble forward. M. Fernandes once made a tackle inside the opponent's box and created the fastest goal in Premier League history.

United believe M. Fernandes can be developed into another Anderson. His technical style also reminds one of PSG's Vitinha—short in stature but highly technical, capable of dictating the tempo when given the chance. West Ham have set a £85 million price tag, yet suitors have not given up on M. Fernandes, which fully demonstrates his ability—or more accurately, his potential.

If we go back a year, United would now be pursuing Brighton's Carlos Baleba, an out-and-out defensive midfielder. The 22-year-old Cameroonian international is aggressive, excels at pressing, possesses a strong physique and stamina, and can also carry the ball forward in attack.

However, after failing to join United last year, Baleba's mentality was questioned, and his performance level dropped sharply—he rarely played full matches. He had already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, but Brighton still demand £80 million. Even with negotiations, the actual fee to sign him might exceed £60 million.

Moreover, United have already signed 26-year-old Brazilian international Ederson, whose style falls somewhere between Baleba and M. Fernandes. He can run, tackle, and intercept—his ball-winning ability is higher than Casemiro's, but his passing is less impressive, often opting for simple short passes to teammates ahead.

However, most coaches appreciate players like Ederson. They may lack brilliance or refined technique, but they help the team function smoothly—similar to United's former player Fred. United had been monitoring Ederson since Ruben Amorim's tenure, and his contract runs until 2027, so the club chose to sign him first to avoid criticism and pressure from having nothing in the summer window.

As mentioned at the start, after securing Ederson, United are currently negotiating for players besides M. Fernandes, including Scott—a different type of midfielder. The 22-year-old English powerhouse can also defend, but his strength lies in driving forward through the middle of the pitch. He can burst past opponents or attract defenders before passing to teammates.

In Bournemouth's match against Manchester City, Scott delivered a pass that rendered City's three-man defense futile, allowing left-back Adrian Truffert to provide an assist.

The energetic Scott has the quality to break into the England squad, so it's easy to understand United's interest. His contract runs until 2028, and Bournemouth want to extend it with a £75 million release clause. If any club wants to sign him this summer, the Cherries would demand £80 million.

Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is a passing maestro. Among Premier League players with more than 900 minutes, no one completes more line-breaking passes—17.8 out of every 100 passes bypass the opposition's lines.

However, the 22-year-old Wharton's weakness, like Mainoo's, is defensive awareness. But this may be due to Crystal Palace's tactics; they maintain a compact defensive shape, requiring Wharton to quickly transition from defense to attack once his teammates regain possession.

Newcastle United's Tonali might represent Wharton's future development. The 26-year-old Italian international is a well-balanced number 8. He can sprint across the pitch, snuff out opposition attacks, and then drive the team forward—a very complete player.

Unfortunately, United have cooled their interest in Tonali because Newcastle demand £85 million plus add-ons totaling nearly £100 million, and his wage demands are high—around £300,000 per week. He is now more likely to move to Tottenham, who are spending heavily after avoiding relegation. Both parties have reached an agreement, pending club-level negotiations.

Another Bournemouth midfielder, Tyler Adams, is a classic defensive midfielder who protects the backline. Under Andoni Iraola's "Cherries," Adams embodies a versatile and energetic style that matches the team's philosophy.

Due to a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee, the 27-year-old Adams missed two months of action. However, his greatest strength is detecting danger and neutralizing it in time. In terms of interceptions and blocking passes, only Casemiro ranked higher last season—Adams recorded 4.8 real interceptions per 1,000 opponent touches.

The USMNT captain's transfer fee could be around £40 million, with two years left on his Bournemouth contract.

Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney is also a player United are monitoring, especially manager Carrick, who coached Hackney during his two-plus years at the Riverside Stadium.

The 23-year-old Hackney is a midfielder but operates further forward. Last season in the Championship, he averaged over 35.7 touches per game, ranking first in the league.

Hackney can complete passes at either end of the pitch and is considered highly promising. However, he has never played in the Premier League and may need time to learn and adapt. Everton are more likely to be his next destination than United.

Middlesbrough reached the Championship play-off final, but mainly because their opponent Southampton were disqualified due to the "spy gate" scandal. In the semi-finals, Hackney lost to another Saints talent—Shea Charles.

Charles joined Manchester City's academy at age 7 before moving to Southampton. The 22-year-old has developed into a versatile midfielder who can play multiple positions, including right-back.

The Northern Irishman possesses great athleticism and a tall, strong physique suited for English football. Of course, he also needs time to adapt to the highest level.

Manchester United's football director, Jason Wilcox, was responsible for signing Charles for Manchester City's academy in July 2023, and later brought him to Southampton for £15 million.

Both Charles and Hackney are only candidates for United's "third midfielder" signing—low-cost, high-potential. However, since United need to sell Ugarte before bringing in a third midfielder, Leeds United may beat them to sign Charles.

United's rumored list also includes overseas players like Nmecha and Sangaré, but Ratcliffe's team will prioritize Premier League players, looking to the continent only if they have no other options.