West Ham’s forgotten transfer target could shape Fernandes saga

With reports suggesting that Manchester Utd are now monitoring Bournemouth’s Alex Scott with West Ham holding firm on their £80–85m valuation for Mateus Fernandes, there is a sense of irony in the situation as Scott’s path could easily have mirrored Fernandes, and he might well have been wearing a claret and blue shirt himself.

In 2023, West Ham were one of several clubs tracking him at Bristol City, impressed by his ball‑carrying and maturity at just 19, and spoke to the player’s representatives. But the deal never materialised for one simple reason, Bristol City refused to budge on price.

At the time, City manager Nigel Pearson hailed him as “a very unique talent with an impressive temperament” adding that he believed the youngster was “destined for the very top.”

The Robins wanted £25m guaranteed, with a clean structure and no complicated add‑ons. The player at the time had two years remaining on his contract. West Ham, juggling multiple summer priorities and wary of overpaying for a Championship prospect, never made a formal bid.

Bournemouth did and crucially, they met the valuation. Scott moved to the Vitality Stadium and West Ham’s interest quietly faded.

At Bournemouth, Scott has developed exactly as Bristol City predicted making him one of the Premier League’s most admired young talents. Bournemouth know they hold a premium asset, and with multiple top‑six clubs watching, they have set a £60m valuation to deter low‑ball offers.

United’s recruitment team that includes Kyle Macaulay, admire Fernandes but are constrained by SCR limits and amortisation commitments. Meeting our £80–85m price is difficult without major sales. Scott, at £60m, represents a more attainable target.

If United cannot unlock the Fernandes deal, Scott is the most realistic alternative, and there’s a touch of irony in that outcome.