Where did the 200 million budget go? Manchester United may have given up on signing Scott, Chelsea's $64 million bid rejected

Before the summer transfer window opened, Manchester United seemed poised for a major overhaul, with British media claiming Sir Jim Ratcliffe had set aside £250 million for Carrick's reconstruction. The midfield strategy was particularly bold, targeting three new signings at the £30 million, £50 million, and £80 million price levels. However, Sir Jim appears to have changed his mind, and the Red Devils may now abandon their pursuit of the most expensive target.

Manchester United have already secured Youri Tielemans for £35 million and André Santos for £50 million, but the anticipated £80 million midfield signing remains elusive. Ratcliffe's ideal acquisition, Aurélien Tchouaméni, has agreed to extend his contract with Real Madrid, making a move impossible. This setback seems to have dampened the club owner's enthusiasm for spending big on a defensive midfielder.

Ayoub Bouaddi, the Moroccan midfield sensation who impressed during the World Cup group stage, was linked to Manchester United, but the 18-year-old prodigy appears set to join Manchester City. Reports suggest he has reached a personal agreement with the "Cityzens," and the transfer now hinges on Lille agreeing to a fee. Lille is demanding €100 million, though they would reduce the price by €20 million if he is loaned back for a season.

Bournemouth's 22-year-old England international, Alex Scott, was once considered Manchester United's top target. However, Bournemouth have refused to sell, insisting he will remain with the club this season. Chelsea submitted a £64 million bid this week, but the "Cherries" promptly rejected it.

Scott's current contract runs until 2028, and Bournemouth have twice offered him new deals in an effort to extend his stay, including a £75 million release clause that would only become active after next year. Scott and his agent turned down the latest proposal, but club sources indicate that Bournemouth will keep him regardless of whether he signs, as they prepare for their first European campaign—the Europa League—next season.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs stated: "Chelsea's £64 million offer was swiftly rejected. Bournemouth informed Chelsea, as they did with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United, that they have no intention of selling Scott. Scott first received a contract extension offer in March, and negotiations have been intermittent since then. He has indicated that he has no current plans to renew, despite Bournemouth being ready to offer a deal with a release clause starting in 2027. Nevertheless, Bournemouth are determined to keep Scott, even if the player refuses to extend, hoping he will stay for at least one more season."

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano added: "Bournemouth's message to Scott is essentially: play for us for another season, compete in Europe, and then from the summer of 2027, you can choose your preferred club. This is similar to Antoine Semenyo, who signed a comparable contract with Bournemouth, including a release clause, and chose Manchester City over other clubs in January. Bournemouth offered Scott the same arrangement, but he rejected the new contract. Now we'll see how the transfer market reacts to this development."

Bournemouth have not set a fixed price, but it is widely believed that at least £80 million would be needed to bring them to the negotiating table. For Manchester United, this price is considered too high. This has left fans puzzled: the Red Devils spent only £85 million combined on Tielemans and Santos, so where has the remaining £200 million from the rumored budget gone?

According to the Daily Mail, Ratcliffe's budget was calculated based on expected revenue from player sales, and Manchester United's efforts to offload players have not been successful. Without selling some players, it will be difficult to spend £80 million on a new signing. Not only is the £80 million for Scott out of reach, but the Red Devils even balk at the €60 million price tag for Roma midfielder Manu Koné.

Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic said: "Manchester United have discussed signing Manu Koné, but it remains unclear whether the club will allocate sufficient funds to secure him from Roma. Due to budget constraints, the highly regarded Scott is also out of reach, as Bournemouth insist he is not for sale. Scott is also being monitored by Arsenal and Chelsea, which could drive up the transfer fee."