Manchester United and Arsenal are locked in a transfer battle for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott ahead of the new Premier League season.
United has made direct contact with the Cherries to negotiate a deal for the 22-year-old England youth international.
Bournemouth, however, insists Scott is not for sale and values him at more than £60 million.
The club is preparing a new contract with a release clause to persuade him to stay at the Vitality Stadium.
According to BBC reporter Nizaar Kinsella, Manchester United initiated inquiries after missing out on alternative targets Mateus Fernandes and Elliot Anderson, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City respectively.
Michael Carrick's side is keen to add at least one more midfielder after agreeing a €40 million deal with Atalanta for Ederson.
Sky Sports reports that United is determined to challenge Arsenal, who monitored Scott throughout last season.
Arsenal viewed Scott as a more attainable target compared to Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, given Newcastle's firm stance on the Brazilian's future.
