Man Utd identify Wharton alternative who has impressed club scouts

Manchester United could turn their attentions toward a Premier League star as they mull over a potential approach for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

Wharton has been among the Red Devils’ reported targets for some time, with the likes of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson also featuring on their rumoured wishlists.

United’s midfield is not exactly stacked at present, which perhaps explains their current stance on the out-of-favour Kobbie Mainoo, who is only expected to leave in the event of an ‘exceptional’ offer, as per Sky Sports.

But according to another report, Old Trafford scouts are said to have been impressed with a top-flight ace who recently strutted his stuff at the Theatre of Dreams.

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United scouts have been mightily impressed with the progress of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.

Scott was a recent early substitute during the Cherries’ enthralling 4-4 draw at Old Trafford, replacing Tyler Adams after five minutes.

It was a game that had some players struggling to cover themselves in glory, but it appears that Scott had already been earmarked as an alternative to Wharton as Amorim assesses his options ahead of the January window.

The 22-year-old had a superb summer, starting five of England’s six games at the U21 European Championship, where the Young Lions defended their crown under Lee Carsley.

Scott also received his first senior call-up in the November international break and was an unused sub during England’s win over Albania.

A key starter for a Bournemouth side that flirted with European qualification last season and has weathered the storm of multiple high-profile departures in the summer, it is easy to see the versatile midfielder’s potential.

A key element of the report made clear that he is by no means a backup option, with United routinely shortlisting multiple options for positions they are keen to improve on.

And with the likes of Wharton and Baleba likely to require hefty fees, there has to be a realistic universe in which Scott emerges as Amorim’s top choice.

Bournemouth have received huge sums for the likes of Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen, so they may either be keen to keep hold of Scott at all costs or demand another high price.

Either way, it seems that United’s efforts to bolster their midfield may not be restricted to the previous frontrunners.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.