Manchester United have been priced out of a move for Bournemouth and England midfielder Alex Scott, leaving Arsenal as the frontrunners to sign the 22-year-old.
United valued Scott in the £40m bracket, reflecting the fact he has still to win his first full England cap and has not played in the Champions League. But Bournemouth are holding out for in excess of £70m for one of their prize assets. United are not prepared to meet the asking price and will continue to look at alternative targets instead, after already strengthening midfield with the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in recent weeks.
“Manchester United pull out of Alex Scott race as Bournemouth demand £70m+, leaving Arsenal as favourites.”
The development paves the way for Premier League rivals Arsenal to land the midfielder, should they be able to agree a fee. Scott is said to favour a move to the Emirates, but is worried about how much game time he would get for Mikel Arteta's English champions. The England Under-21 international has emerged as one of the brightest midfield talents in English football, and was instrumental in helping the Cherries secure European football last season.
Scott's representatives have held talks with several clubs, and he will make a decision on his future in the next fortnight. He was named in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for games against Serbia and Albania last season, but did not make an appearance, and was later asked to join the preparation camp in Florida ahead of the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are confident they can beat Arsenal and Bayern Munich to the signature of Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, after the 23-year-old impressed with four goal contributions at the World Cup with France this summer. Barcola would add to Liverpool's attacking options as they seek to challenge for the title.
In other transfer news, Bruno Fernandes has decided to commit his future to Manchester United, with talks around a new deal ongoing. Besiktas are trying to sign Newcastle's Joe Willock, who is in the final year of his contract and will not be offered a new deal. Arsenal are not ruling out the sale of captain Martin Odegaard and will listen to offers for the 27-year-old Norway midfielder.
Manchester United are also exploring a move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, 23, who missed out on a place in France's World Cup squad this summer. Roma have asked about the availability of Chelsea centre-back Axel Disasi, with the Blues setting an asking price of around £17m for the 28-year-old Frenchman.
Fulham have opened negotiations with Real Madrid over a potential move for striker Gonzalo Garcia, 22. West Ham are eyeing Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate after the 28-year-old Japan international asked to leave the Scottish champions. Middlesbrough are considering a move for Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips, who spent last season on loan at Stoke City.
Watford have rejected two bids of £10m for Australian forward Nestory Irankunda from Sporting and Celta Vigo, and have bought back 10% of the 20-year-old's sell-on clause from Bayern Munich. Ajax have joined the clubs interested in Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare.
United's decision to step back from the Scott race leaves Arsenal in pole position, but the player's concerns over game time could yet complicate a deal.