After missing out on Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali, a journalist closely following Manchester United has evaluated the club’s next set of midfield targets.

A major summer transfer window was anticipated at Manchester United following their qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The club aimed to bring in three midfielders, a left winger, and potentially a left-sided defender, depending on the financial implications of other priority signings.

Although United swiftly completed the signing of Ederson, their efforts to strengthen the midfield have since stalled.

The Red Devils hesitated at Nottingham Forest’s £116 million valuation for Elliot Anderson, who was INEOS’s top target, whereas Manchester City acted decisively to secure his signature.

A similar situation unfolded with Mateus Fernandes, as United declined to meet West Ham’s £85 million demand through fully guaranteed payments.

Tottenham Hotspur, however, had no such reservations and on Thursday announced the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival in a new club-record deal.

That record transfer in north London is set to be surpassed again, with Sandro Tonali expected to join for a £100 million package (£92.5 million upfront plus £7.5 million in bonuses).

Manchester United are now exploring backup options, and Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail has provided insight into the players being monitored and the likelihood of each potential deal materialising.

According to Wheeler—who specialises in covering United—the club’s shortlist includes Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Felix Nmecha, Tyler Adams, and Alex Scott.

Among these six, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott appears to be the most likely target in the immediate future.

However, fans are advised not to get their hopes up, as Wheeler reports that Bournemouth have no plans to sell the young midfielder.

The journalist explained: “Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is well-regarded at Old Trafford and could be the first player United pursue, although insiders suggest it’s still early days as the club reassesses its position following the Fernandes setback.”

“Arsenal seem to be United’s main competitors for Scott, but Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham are also monitoring the situation.”

“Bournemouth maintain that the 22-year-old is not for sale and are instead looking to improve his current deal, which runs until 2028. Although his valuation was originally around £60 million, the Cherries are likely to seek a higher fee now, considering the prices agreed for Anderson and Fernandes.”

Regarding other targets, Wheeler noted that a move for Aurelien Tchouameni could face familiar financial obstacles, while United’s interest in Baleba and Wharton has cooled compared to earlier in the summer.

He added: “Aurelien Tchouameni remains high on United’s list, but there’s no certainty the Frenchman will depart Real Madrid following Jose Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu. Both the transfer fee and his wages could again prove problematic.”

“Other names being considered include Scott’s Bournemouth teammate Tyler Adams and Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund. However, United’s pursuit of Sandro Tonali had already slowed before Tottenham completed a £100 million deal for the Italian. Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton have not been major topics in discussions this summer.”

“Some United supporters who were sceptical about the signing of Ederson have expressed frustration over the club’s inability to finalise the Fernandes transfer, while others have supported the decision to remain disciplined in their spending.”