Manchester United have a “specific interest” in signing Scott McTominay, with the midfielder also being targeted by Barcelona, and it has been revealed that Napoli are in a position to approve a move.
Man United are set to sign a new central midfielder in 2026, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson emerging as a key target, with the club expressing interest in signing the England international earlier this week.
However, Anderson has become such an important player for both club and country that getting him a deal over the line is likely to require a huge bid, with Forest expected to stick with a transfer fee of around £100m to £120m.
It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are willing to break their previous transfer record and sign the 23-year-old, but if INEOS deems the deal too expensive, there could be more affordable alternative options.
Manchester United have ‘specific interest’ in Scott McTominay
Indeed, Anderson is not the only English midfielder Man United are targeting, with Catch Offside sources revealing they have a “specific interest” in signing Napoli star McTominay, with the Scot having hit the ground running since leaving Old Trafford.
A bid of at least €50m (about £44m) would be needed to entice the Italian club to sell him, but given the midfielder’s importance to Antonio Conte’s side, it is possible that they have not even set an asking price and may not allow him to be released at all.
The 28-year-old is happy with the Italian club and is unlikely to budge for a move, but there is certainly no shortage of top clubs in the running for a deal, with Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also being named as candidates.
Hailed as “sensational” by broadcaster David Tanner, the Scotland international has taken his career to the next level since moving to Serie A, making a major contribution to Napoli’s league title in 2024-25.
The Lancaster-born midfielder had the most prolific season in front of goal of his career, finding the back of the net 12 times in 34 games and also providing six assists. The United academy product has already scored twice in the Champions League this season.
However, re-signing the former player could be seen as a setback, given that he failed to reach similar heights during his time at Old Trafford and was regularly criticized for his performances.
Ruben Amorim may therefore be better off focusing on other targets, and with Anderson, Carlos Bareva, Javi Guerra and Alex Scott all on the shortlist, there is no shortage of exciting options.
