Man United’s Midfield Search Heats Up: Tchouameni, Scott, and Bouaddi on Radar

Manchester United are casting a wide net as they look to reinforce their midfield this summer, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott, and teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi among the top names on their shortlist. The club are regrouping after missing out on Matheus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham for £85m this week. According to sources close to the recruitment drive, United have compiled a list that also includes Felix Nmecha, Sander Berge, and Ederson of Atalanta. The pursuit of Tchouameni is complicated by Real Madrid’s own midfield reshuffle. While the Spanish giants have been linked with several players, they publicly ruled out a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez on Friday. Madrid also hold an interest in Rodri, but Manchester City are determined to keep the Spaniard and are pushing for a new contract. Should Madrid need to free up space, reports in Spain suggest they would be more willing to part with Eduardo Camavinga than Tchouameni. Given the difficulty of landing Tchouameni, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has emerged as a high-priority target. Arsenal are also keen on the 21-year-old, but United are considered frontrunners. However, Bournemouth have made it clear they do not want to sell any of their key players and are eager to tie Scott down to a new deal. United scouts have also been tracking Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old has been turning heads at the World Cup and is set to face Canada in the round of 16 on Saturday. Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha and Fulham’s Sander Berge complete the five-man shortlist. Strengthening the center of the park remains United’s top priority this summer. A deal for Atalanta’s Ederson is expected to be finalized once his World Cup campaign with Brazil concludes. On the flanks, Crysencio Summerville remains United’s primary left-wing target despite the club’s focus on midfield. Initial exploratory talks have been held with West Ham, but Tottenham are also in the race. United are aware that moving slowly could see them lose out to Spurs on another priority signing. The club would ideally fund the Summerville move through the sale of Marcus Rashford, who is set to return to Old Trafford after his post-World Cup break. Depending on England’s World Cup run, that could be well into August. There is still a chance Rashford stays as a squad player under Michael Carrick. Meanwhile, the pursuit of Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall is on hold until United make progress on their midfield reinforcements.