Manchester United are refusing to give up on Alex Scott, even as Bournemouth insist the midfielder is not for sale. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most coveted young players in the Premier League, drawing interest from Arsenal and Manchester City as well.

The Cherries have made their position clear — Scott is going nowhere — and they have urged him to commit to a new contract. Yet the player has reportedly knocked back Bournemouth's offer, and that has only encouraged Manchester United to press on with their approach, according to The Sun.

A deal that remains complicated

Scott still has two years remaining on his current deal. That window gives Bournemouth leverage in any negotiation, but it also means a decision cannot be deferred indefinitely. Should they fail to secure a new contract, the Cherries risk seeing their prized asset leave for a reduced fee — or walk away as a free agent further down the line.

Some reports indicate that a bid in the region of £80 million could be enough to change Bournemouth's mind, particularly after Scott rejected their renewal offer. Manchester United have taken note of that figure, though they are simultaneously exploring whether better value exists elsewhere in the market.

United's wider midfield search

The Red Devils' need for midfield reinforcement has grown sharper after Elliot Anderson opted to join Manchester City and Mateus Fernandes moved to Tottenham Hotspur. A deal for Atalanta's Brazil international appears close, although complications surrounding his medical are holding that transfer up, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

Adding to the urgency, Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte ruptured his ACL during Uruguay's World Cup campaign, leaving manager Carrick short of options in the engine room heading into a season that will include European football.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni have also been identified as potential targets. For now, though, Scott remains the club's top priority — a deal that is far from straightforward given the competition from Arsenal and Manchester City, Bournemouth's firm stance, and the uncertainty surrounding Scott's own next move.