Manchester United are said to be at the front of the queue to sign one of the most exciting young talents in English football this summer. The Red Devils are hoping to upgrade their midfield this summer, and they have already made a start by snapping up Ederson from Atalanta.

But with Casemiro departing, a holding midfielder is on the wishlist, and United may well add another more dynamic midfielder to the mix between now and the end of the window,

Michael Carrick is going to get plenty of money to spend in a bid to take this United team from third place to into the title conversation, and a highly-rated Premier League talent could take up a chunk of that spend.

Manchester United lead Alex Scott race

According to Sky Sports, United are one of two sides leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer. The report read: “It remains to be seen whether Spurs intend to try and sign both or just one of these two top midfielders. Alex Scott is also a Spurs target but Arsenal and Manchester United are the current frontrunners.”

Scott played a crucial part in Bournemouth qualifying for the Europa League, only missing one Premier League game all season. He was in contention for the England World Cup squad this summer, but he just missed out, instead serving as an injury back-up and travelling to Florida for the pre-tournament training camp.

The Cherries will understandably be desperate to keep hold of him. As things stand, the midfielder has just two years remaining on his deal, and it’s likely a new contract will need to be offered if Bournemouth are to stand a chance of keeping Scott.

The Cherries are said to be asking for around £80million to sell the 22-year-old, which could give United a decision to make. It may be tough for the Red Devils to sign two midfielders around that price, and why Scott is a box-to-box player, he is more attacking, which is arguably not what United need most after Casemiro’s departure.

Scott would be an ‘amazing’ signing for United

Bournemouth wisely snapped up Scott at the age of 19, paying a £25million fee that was questioned by some at the time. But they are likely to make a more than three-fold profit on the midfielder whenever he does leave, and they have already benefited from his talent along the way.

Now former Cherries boss said after a clash with Arsenal last season: “Alex [Scott] has been like this for many months. He was amazing. He’s in such good form. I’m so happy for him. He’s worked a lot to be at this level.”

Scott is one of a number of top young talents Bournemouth have cleverly recruited, and he was nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award, which was won by Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly.

Liverpool have joined the race to sign in-demand Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who has caught the eye at the World Cup, according to Sky Sports Germany’s Patrick Berger.

New manager Andoni Iraola is expected to be heavily backed in the transfer window this summer after replacing Arne Slot. The Spaniard will be keen on strengthening in midfield, given the issues that arose last season.

Uncertainty continues to grow over Alexis Mac Allister’s future after an underwhelming campaign. The Merseysiders are reportedly prepared to sell the Argentine midfielder, and this could play a role in a potential pursuit of Nmecha.

The German has enjoyed a superb World Cup campaign thus far, playing in all three of his nation’s group games. He has already registered one goal and two assists with the world watching.

Nmecha isn’t the only midfielder who has been linked with Liverpool, as they are also eyeing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The Reds spent around £449million last summer but still have money to spend ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Liverpool battle Manchester United for Nmecha signing

While Berger claims that Manchester United are “stepping up their pursuit” of Nmecha, he also names Liverpool as one of four clubs keeping tabs on him. Manchester City and Real Madrid are monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation.

Nmecha is said to be “happy at Dortmund” and “fully focused on the World Cup“, but a move to the Premier League is viewed as a “realistic option.” He has previously played in England, starting his career at City before leaving for VfL Wolfsburg on a free back in July 2021.

A major stumbling block is Dortmund’s valuation of the Germany international, as they reportedly set a £104m price tag, per BILD. That is a huge fee and one that would see him become the third most expensive player in Liverpool’s history.

The Reds forked out £116m to sign Nmecha’s German teammate Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. They followed that up with the British transfer record signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125m.

Liverpool will have to pay a big price to sign Nmecha

There’s much to like about Nmecha, a mainstay in Dortmund’s midfield last season. He boasts a versatile profile, able to operate as a central and defensive midfielder.

Rightfully dubbed “underrated”, he is starting to earn recognition for his consistency in the Bundesliga and now on the biggest stage at the World Cup. He’s already familiarised with English football, which could come in handy if Liverpool win the race for his signature.

The main issue is the asking price, as spending over £100m will take a large chunk out of the Reds’ summer transfer budget. There are other areas of Iraola’s squad that need addressing, including out wide as they look to replace Mohamed Salah.

Yan Diomande is the top choice to replace Salah, and the club has already had an initial £86.2 million proposal rejected. They reportedly intend to return with a new offer of around £103.4m.

Leeds United are said to be in conversations with a striker as they look to add to their capture of Harry Wilson. The Whites agreed a contract with the soon-to-be former Fulham forward, who is coming off the best season of his career so far.

Wilson joins a number of his Welsh teammates at Elland Road, including Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon and Dan James. Given Wilson’s form last season, it is a huge coup for Leeds, with the former Liverpool forward having tipped for a move to one of the European hopefuls this summer.

But the work goes on for Leeds, and their striker search appears to have led them to a forward currently playing in France.

Sinayoko interest ramps up

Lassine Sinayoko is attracting interest aplenty this summer, having impressed for Auxerre last season, scoring 12 and assisting four. Sebastien Denis of FootMercato says a number of French clubs are speaking to Sinayoko over a summer move, while Leeds and Brighton are both said to be in talks with his representatives this summer.

The striker added fire to the transfer rumours at the end of May, when he said: “It’s a period I really enjoy because I want to know where I stand, to know who’s going wherever they are, whether it’s here or at any other club. So it’s really a window I like a lot. But now, it’s no longer up to me. Anything that’s being said here and there, unless it comes from me or my representatives, I don’t pay attention to it, I don’t believe it.”

The report claims talks are ongoing with a number of clubs, and the decision will likely come down to the striker himself, who will be able to choose where he ends up.

Sinayoko a ‘complete attacker’

Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA

Sinayoko’s reputation has been getting bigger and bigger over recent years, and he was said to have been one step away from signing for Lens last summer only for a U-turn to keep him with Auxerre. He helped keep the team in Ligue 1 without any real struggle during the season just gone, but it now seems inevitable he will take the next step in his career.

French Football Weekly provided a profile on the player, and they describe: “Beyond his statistics, Sinayoko is a complete attacker. Tireless in his efforts and always valuable in the defensive withdrawal, the Malian international often acted as the first defender of his team. In a season where AJA regularly suffered without the ball, its unfailing commitment was unanimously praised internally.”

Given Leeds are not likely to dominate teams week-in, week-out, that kind of hard-working striker who will defend from the front could be the ideal fit for what Daniel Farke wants.