Tchouameni, Scott: Romano drops update on United’s midfield targets

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The Peoples Person

2 July 2026

Manchester United have swiftly shifted their focus to other midfield targets after missing out on Mateus Fernandes.

Fernandes was viewed as Manchester United’s priority target, but the Red Devils were not prepared to pay £85 million for a 21-year-old with back-to-back relegations on his CV.

Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, seemingly desperate to avoid another relegation battle, have broken their transfer record to secure Fernandes’ services. Their ambitious moves have raised a few question marks over Ineos’ plans this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, two names have come under consideration at

Manchester United

following the Mateus Fernandes setback.

It is claimed United’s recruitment team admire Real Madrid defensive powerhouse Aurelien Tchouameni and Bournemouth youngster Alex Scott.

Romano said on his

YouTube channel

: “The two names that

Man United

internally consider as fantastic options are Aurelien Tchouameni. But I told you the problem is the salary and at the moment no green light from Real Madrid and also Alex Scott.”

United are seemingly waiting for Real Madrid to open the exit door for the Frenchman, who is arguably one of the best midfielders in Europe. He has already won the Champions League in the Spanish capital and is an undisputed starter for France, who are blowing away opponents at the World Cup.

As Romano mentioned, Scott is another name on United’s shortlist. However, Bournemouth are keen to keep the 22-year-old Englishman at the south coast for at least another season. Ideally, they want him to sign a new deal.

“Alex Scott is one of the players considered internally by Arsenal and by

.” the Italian journalist added.

“Both clubs like him. At the moment from Bournemouth, it’s no, he’s not leaving, but in case they open doors to an exit for big money, we have to follow these two clubs keen eventually on Alex Scott.”

Even if Bournemouth change their stance, United might be forced to pay around £80 million for Scott, which would then make their decision to not go all out for Fernandes look puzzling.

If United want value for money, they should make a strong push for Tchouameni or explore alternatives in Serie A or Ligue 1, akin to Atalanta’s Ederson.

Featured image Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey via Getty Images

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