After the Matheus Fernandes drama, seeing him go to Tottenham due to the North London club offering more money for his services, Manchester United still find themselves in a midfield debacle.

Reports suggest a £35 million transfer for Atalanta midfielder Ederson may have fallen through, while Chelsea's Andrey Santos signed for the club in a £50 million transfer on Friday afternoon.

This midfield rebuild may need three midfielders. The inclusion of Champions League football for the first time under INEOS ownership and the departure of Casemiro show a need for new midfielders, but Manuel Ugarte's ACL injury during the World Cup has complicated plans.

The Red Devils have found themselves unable to get some midfield deals over the line despite showing interest. United wanted Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and the aforementioned Fernandes, but they will be playing for other Premier League sides in the upcoming season.

Aurelien Tchouameni was the latest player of interest for United, and when interest started to mount, former Man United manager Jose Mourinho was quick to act, signing the French midfielder to a new contract. Clearly, United need to be more alert in the transfer window.

The latest midfielder who is wanted at Old Trafford is the English youngster and Bournemouth man Alex Scott. He has had a fine season for the Cherries this season, helping them reach Europe for the first time in the club's history.

Speaking on The United Stand, Ben Jacobs expects Manchester United to "proceed with formal talks" for Scott, confirming he is "top" of the list at Old Trafford.

It won't be plain sailing for the Red Devils, with current Premier League champions Arsenal also chasing his signature. Still, their interest seemed to have settled due to the situation with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães.

Negotiations for the former Bristol City player will not be as straightforward for United. Bournemouth are trying to tie down the midfielder to a new contract that includes a release clause, giving Scott a way out. Still, the Cherries want clarity over his future, not wanting to go into August with uncertainty.

Scott has two years left on his current deal, and the Jersey native seems destined to play in the Champions League this year, if not next. He played 37 Premier League games, was one of the league's best ball carriers, and was among the league leaders in recoveries.

He will cost United a good chunk of money, but Scott could be just what United are after this summer.

The addition of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is a good investment, and having another player with Premier League experience will be vital for Carrick this year.

Scott suits Carrick's style of midfielders, getting the ball moved quickly to the wide areas from midfield and wanting him to sit deeper when needed and battle to win the ball back.

Having a player of Scott's ability will also allow Bruno Fernandes to show his creativity further up the pitch.