Manchester United will move on from Elliot Anderson and could instead get to work at targeting other recruits instead
Manchester United's summer transfer strategy has received a lift after one development within the England camp. Thomas Tuchel's squad are currently gearing up to launch their campaign in the United States and are set to take on Croatia on Wednesday.
However, a number of players from the initial group flown out to the US won't feature in that match and are instead set to leave the camp, which could in theory mean their focus shifts to the upcoming season. And that might ultimately work in Michael Carrick's favour as he seeks to overhaul his side's midfield options this summer.
Meanwhile, United seemingly already have a backup option identified following progress in the search for a new central midfielder. MEN Sport has gathered some of Friday's most significant stories emerging from Old Trafford as the action kicks off in North America.
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Sangare 'targeted'
Among the crop of midfielders being linked with a switch to Old Trafford is Lens' Mamadou Sangare. According to Foot Mercato, United are prepared to table a £35m bid for the player.
That's the valuation attached to the 23-year-old after a standout season in Ligue 1. However, it's suggested the eventual fee could prove to be even steeper.
Lens have suffered from their own success after claiming the Coupe de France for the first time and securing second place in France's top division. Boss Pierre Sage has signed a deal to succeed Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace and Sangare may join him in departing.
United's interest is claimed to be the 'most serious' out of the list of clubs being linked with the midfielder. Sangare arrived at Lens from Austrian side Rapid Vienna last summer and instantly impressed in one of Europe's elite leagues.
The prospective deal is certainly amongst the more economical options United are presently being tipped for. And it seems to align with the club's fresh approach of pursuing lower-profile names who nevertheless match the blueprint Carrick is looking to establish.
Scott transfer route clears
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is expected to head back to the UK following his call-up for England's pre-World Cup warm-up matches by Thomas Tuchel. Scott was amongst several players brought to the US by the England manager, with Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha, Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Fulham youngster Josh King also making the trip across the Atlantic.
Scott is poised to leave the England setup after the Three Lions concluded their pre-tournament friendlies and that could prove beneficial for United's transfer plans. It follows a report in The Athletic that claims the club will decline to participate in the £120million battle for Elliot Anderson and will concentrate on more achievable options instead.
According to the publication, Bournemouth playmaker Scott, whose step-sister Maya Le Tissier captains United's women, and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes both fit that category. Each player is anticipated to cost in the region of £80m.
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There's an argument to suggest Scott's arrival back from the United States will make him and his advisors accessible to hold discussions over a summer transfer. More importantly, the player himself would now be on hand to undergo a medical should United and Bournemouth reach an agreement on a fee.
That doesn't necessarily apply to players participating in the World Cup, whose availability for such procedures is determined by the medical teams of their national sides, meaning United could now have a route to signing Scott. The Cherries handed Bristol City approximately £25m to secure Scott's services in the summer of 2023.
The 22-year-old has subsequently demonstrated his capabilities at the Premier League standard. Incoming Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is also rumoured to be considering a bid for the player, meaning United may need to act swiftly.
