'Doesn't want' - Fulham and West Ham £30m transfer race takes fresh twist

Fulham and West Ham have been linked with a race for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay this summer but the transfer debacle may have taken a fresh turn as the Premier League’s return edges ever closer.

The Cottagers are looking to revamp their midfield options having cashed in on Portugal international Joao Palhinha, agreeing a £47.4 million move to German giants Bayern Munich. Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe is expected to arrive at Craven Cottage in the coming days but that isn't the only deal the club are pursuing. BBC Sport reported that Fulham had submitted a £20 million bid to Old Trafford for Scotland star McTominay - who is said to be valued closer to £30 million.

The Hammers have been long term admirers of the player too, with David Moyes trying to push for a summer move 12 months ago. There were some reports that transfer interest left when the former manager parted but conflicting rumours saw the club rekindle their interest.

However, in a fresh turn of events, McTominay could still remain a Manchester United player or elect a move to the continent. Galatasaray have been linked with interest in the player and the Haber Sarikirmizi outlet in the country reports that the midfielder would prefer a move abroad to the Fulham switch.

Reporter Uğur Karakullukçu said: “Fulham have made a €30m offer to Manchester United for Scott McTominay, but Scott McTominay doesn’t want to go to Fulham. Galatasaray have already offered Manchester United €20m for Scott McTominay. This transfer will take 10-15 days, so it is necessary to wait. Manchester United need to bring in 1-2 midfielders and then they are going to let Scott go."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hasn't explicitly confirmed that McTominay was not for sale this summer, despite having another 12 months on his contract at Old Trafford, but has been full of praise for the player and admitted he has an ‘important’ role to play in the squad.

In quotes relayed by the club on Friday, Ten Hag said: “I’m so pleased with the performance from Scott McTominay and so pleased to have him in my squad, for the type of person he is. He has such an impact on this team with his performance and team spirit. Of course, now we play him in a more advanced position, which suits him much better. He is so important in making goals for our team and I’m very pleased to work with him and have him in our squad.”