Bournemouth demands 70 million pounds! Manchester United decisively withdraws, and the third midfield target becomes one fewer.

Earlier, according to a report by the British Mirror, Manchester United has officially withdrawn from the race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. The reason is straightforward: Bournemouth is asking for around 70 million pounds, while Manchester United's valuation of the 22-year-old English midfielder is only 40 million pounds. The 30 million pound gap is enormous.

In the summer of 2023, Bournemouth signed him from Bristol City for 25 million pounds. Over three seasons, he has made 80 Premier League appearances for the Cherries, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists. Last season, he played in 39 matches across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist. Defensively, he averaged 1.62 tackles, 0.97 interceptions, 2.19 clearances, and 1.84 aerial duels per game.

The statistics are not earth-shattering, but Scott's value cannot be fully captured by numbers alone. According to The Athletic, among Premier League midfielders last season, only Elliott Anderson and Bruno Guimarães averaged more fouls drawn per game than him. His defensive stats, including blocked shots and headed clearances, rank among the top in his position. Bournemouth manager Iraola described him as "becoming a very, very complete player."

A 22-year-old English midfielder with Premier League experience, capable both offensively and defensively, with room for improvement - is 70 million pounds expensive? To be honest, in today's market, it's not an outrageous asking price. Look at the midfield transfer fees this summer: Morgan Rogers for 117 million, Elliott Anderson for 116 million, Tonali for 100 million. Scott's 70 million price tag seems somewhat "restrained" in this context.

If Manchester United wants to close the deal at 40 million pounds, that would be a pipe dream.

According to the Mirror's disclosure, United's reason for not valuing Scott at 70 million is straightforward: he has yet to make his debut for the England national team and has not played in the Champions League. How can a player with neither international caps nor Champions League experience be worth 70 million? United's hierarchy simply thinks it's not worth it.

So where does Scott want to go? The player's own attitude is interesting.

According to the Mirror, Scott's representatives have held talks with several clubs, and he will make a decision on his future in the next two weeks. The report states that Scott is leaning towards a move to Arsenal, but he is also concerned about how much playing time he would get in Arteta's Premier League title-winning team.

However, another report from the Mirror gives a completely different account - Scott is pushing for a move to Chelsea. Chelsea has submitted a bid of 64 million pounds, which was flatly rejected by Bournemouth.

So where does he actually want to go? Arsenal or Chelsea? Or does he just want to leave Bournemouth, any destination will do? The information is indeed contradictory. The only certainty is that Scott has rejected multiple contract extension offers from Bournemouth. In March, Bournemouth offered renewal terms, but the player has not agreed yet.

A 22-year-old with two years left on his contract, rejecting extensions, wanting to leave. But Bournemouth is reluctant to let him go. Why are they so firm? Their logic is clear.

Last season, they finished 6th in the Premier League, qualifying for the Europa League for the first time in history. Scott is one of the core players of this team. If they sell him, who will fill the gap?

According to a talkSPORT reporter, Bournemouth's stance is very clear: Scott, Tyler Adams, and Kroupi are not for sale. The BBC also confirmed this, stating that Bournemouth rejected Chelsea's 64 million pound bid and explicitly told the Blues that "further approaches are not welcome."

Bournemouth is under no pressure to sell. Their qualification for European competition last season, combined with the sale of several players last summer, has brought in considerable revenue. They don't need to sell to raise funds, and Scott's contract runs until 2028.

What's even more decisive is Bournemouth's plan: they want to extend Scott's contract, insert a release clause into the new deal, and consider a transfer after next year. In other words, they are not selling this year. Want to buy? Come back next year with the release clause amount.

After withdrawing from the race for Scott, who is Manchester United's third midfield target?

Baleba. According to Romano, Baleba's team has proactively contacted Manchester United again. The player himself is very keen to join, and personal terms were agreed upon last summer. The problem is still Brighton's asking price, expected to be at least 70 to 80 million pounds.

In addition, Kone, Tyler Adams, and even Tchouaméni are on the rumor list. Let's wait and see.