Man Utd set £45m price tag for Scott McTominay after turning down West Ham bid

Manchester United have turned down an opening bid from West Ham United for midfielder Scott McTominay, according to Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy.

The Hammers have agreed to sign Edson Alvarez from Ajax, but they are also interested in landing McTominay, who has been a long-term target for manager David Moyes.

It was recently confirmed that they made a £30 million bid for the Scotland international, but the bid has been rejected. The Red Devils currently value him at around £45m.

United are more than happy to keep McTominay, but he is also seen as the biggest sale that they can make this summer. Newcastle United could still act on their interest, depending on other deals.

McTominay could leave for the right price

McTominay is currently the immediate back-up option to Casemiro for the number six role, but he could drop down the pecking order if United were to sign Sofyan Amrabat.

This could urge him to move on in the current transfer window, but a transfer would depend on whether West Ham or Newcastle are willing to meet United’s demands.

McTominay is a home-grown player in the prime of his career at 26. He has two years left on his contract with United, but the club have the option to extend for 12 months.

Taking this into regard, the £45m valuation seems reasonable with the nature of the current transfer market. The onus is on West Ham or Newcastle to pay the fee.

The Hammers are currently leading the pursuit of the Scot, but we won’t be surprised if the Magpies make a fresh approach after failing to sign McTominay in January.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

READ MORE:

DEAL COMPLETED: Newcastle has complete deal of £55m transfer over top player from…..

Sandro Tonali completed a £55m move to Newcastle from AC Milan last month and Toon boss Eddie Howe has admitted the midfielder will need time to adjust to the Premier League

Eddie Howe has warned Sandro Tonali “the Premier League is different.”

‌The Italian star made an impressive St James’ Park debut on Saturday against Fiorentina as Newcastle won 2-0 with goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak. The £55m man has to prove himself combative enough for a place in Howe’s first starting XI of the season against Aston Villa next week and Howe has seen an improvement in his defensive duties.

The former AC Milan playmaker’s quality on the ball is not in doubt, but Howe wants a solid midfield platform. Tonali played on the right of a three, and Howe admitted: “Out of possession it was a step up in his recent performances which was good to see.”

‌Tonali will have to adjust the physical and quick midfield battle to oust Sean Longstaff, and Howe added: “We are working on every aspect of his game. For Sandro, the Premier League is different.

“He would have found that in the few games he played in America where there was a step up – just the speed, sharpness, where opponents place themselves. We have to be solid defensively if we are to have success.

‌“He’s a combiner, he’s going to need relationships to show his best qualities. In time those will grow and we will see the player I know he is going to be.

‌“He was very good today. I was pleased with Sandro, he played as an 8 and a 6 and was composed in possession.”