Manchester United and Tottenham could go head-to-head when it comes to signing one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this summer.

United are in the market for at least two central midfielders during the summer transfer window, with Atalanta star Ederson likely to be the first signing under Michael Carrick.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will need to strengthen their squad following back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, with new head coach Roberto De Zerbi looking to make quick moves in the window to put together a group he thinks can challenge towards the top of the table, rather than the bottom.

Alex Scott enjoyed a fine season for Bournemouth

Both teams have been linked with a move for Bournemouth star Alex Scott, who enjoyed something of a breakthrough campaign for the Cherries this year.

The 22-year-old was a regular starter under Andoni Iraola, only missing the final game of the season, named in the starting lineup for 34 of the 37 other matches in the Premier League. He scored three goals – with another coming in the FA Cup – and made one assist, picking up the Supporters’ Player of the Year award.

GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs said last month: “Tottenham are one of the clubs looking at Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

“He’s on Manchester United’s radar too, but once again, as I’ve said many times, Bournemouth are calm about that situation and are hoping to offer Scott a new deal.”

However, as time has moved on, it may be that Scott is now available to complete a move away from the Vitality Stadium this summer, with a report from the Athletic stating that “an extension is seen as unlikely”.

How much Bournemouth will demand to sell Scott

The Athletic report goes on to state that United have made inquiries as to the cost of a deal, with Scott having just two years left to run on his current deal on the south coast. It is thought Bournemouth would demand around £60million to even consider selling the midfielder who has been described as “elite” by Nigel Pearson, who was his manager at Bristol City before moving to Bournemouth.

Pearson said: “He’s a unique talent. I’ve heard him compared to lots of players, but Alex is just a top-class young player who has a very level head. He will go on to play for England, I have absolutely no doubt about that. He is destination elite.”

Spurs may hold an advantage over United, should they look to pursue a move, given Scott grew up as a Tottenham fan.

Speaking after scoring against Arsenal, he said: “Yes, I support Tottenham, though that doesn’t have much to do with today. But growing up as a kid, it was definitely a dream for me [to score against Arsenal]. Bournemouth are my team at the minute but I was a Tottenham fan growing up, so as a kid growing up, I would have been really happy with that.”

It’s widely understood that Spanish giants Real Madrid have agreed a contract with Jose Mourinho to become their next manager. Once this news is officially confirmed, it won’t take long before the Portuguese coach starts pushing for some key transfers.

He is set to return to the Spanish capital for the second time in his career, having left way back in 2013, after three seasons in which he won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Mourinho spent last season at Benfica, where he went unbeaten in the league, but only finished third.

With Madrid, the 63-year-old arrives at a club in chaos after a trophyless season saw Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa struggle to deal with the big superstars in the dressing room. Mourinho is unlikely to be concerned by the big egos in the squad. However, one of his first key transfer targets isn’t quite the usual Galactico fans might expect.

Mourinho Wants Relegated Premier League Star

One of the defining dramas of the season for Madrid last season was Aurelien Tchouameni’s dramatic clash with Fede Valverde, which saw the Uruguayan hospitalised and both men fined for their antics. If Mourinho wants to calm the dressing room, he could look to offload one.

The early rumours suggest Tchouameni is the closest to the exit door, with Manchester United currently linked with the Frenchman. Should he depart, Los Blancos may look to the Premier League for a replacement.

Indeed, according to journalist Ramon Alvarez, Mourinho ‘has told’ Real Madrid that he would like the club to sign West Ham United ace Mateus Fernandes this summer. The Hammers need to sell their most valuable assets this summer after being relegated, and the midfielder is of interest to a number of clubs.

Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United have been strongly linked with the former Southampton star in the past few weeks, amid talk that any transfer could cost as much as £80m. Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Fernandes.

Rodri Also Linked With Madrid Interest

It’s worth noting that even if Tchouameni stays, Dani Ceballos wants to leave and Madrid are willing to let him go. His contract expires in 2027, so an exit this summer makes sense as they could still bring in a fee for the 29-year-old.

As such, Mourinho will likely want a midfield reinforcement regardless. One other name to be linked, beyond Fernandes, is Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Spain international, 29, is heading into the final year of his Man City contract, and it remains to be seen if he will hang around or follow Pep Guardiola out of the exit door.

Reports claim that Mourinho is ‘very keen’ on bringing Rodri to Madrid. That said, having seen their manager depart, the Premier League club will be reluctant to lose another experienced head on the pitch, with Bernardo Silva and John Stones also confirming their exits this summer.