SerpApi.Org
Liverpool faces a potential battle to sign Alex Scott this summer, as reports have emerged surrounding a bid from a Premier League rival being rejected by Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the up-and-coming midfielders in the division over the past few seasons, with Andoni Iraola getting the best out of him during his time at the Vitality Stadium. With Scott's contract dwindling, as he enters the final two years with the Cherries, links have continued surrounding a move elsewhere in the transfer market, with Liverpool among those seemingly keeping an eye on Scott's progression.
It's a transfer that could help future-proof the Reds' midfield further, with recent contract extensions for Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai offering stability - though some uncertainty surrounds the future of Alexis Mac Allister.
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While Liverpool's priority remains signing a new winger, after Iraola made a clear plea for a new wide forward in the market, the midfield could follow and Scott's situation remains one that could tempt the club.
However, it is also leading to interest from other teams in the Premier League, most notably Chelsea, as it steps up the summer recruitment under Xabi Alonso.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Chelsea submitted an $85.6 million bid for Scott, following the news that he had turned down a new contract with Bournemouth, with the hopes of landing the England international.
However, the Cherries turned down the offer, having blocked any approach for the midfielder so far, following moves made by Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City.
It leaves the parties at something of a stalemate, while Bournemouth is keen to get Scott to sign a new contract, the player has seemingly made it clear that he won't be doing so.
That has put some clubs on alert, though the saga may now drag on, which could seemingly work in Liverpool's favor if the Reds do make an approach for him in the near future.
With the arrival of a winger being the top priority, any potential deal to land a midfielder is likely to come much later in the transfer window, by which point Scott's situation may be clearer.
If he is available, and rivals have looked elsewhere in the market, then it may be the ideal time for Liverpool to strike for the midfielder to reunite with Iraola.
It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, of course, as the race heats up for Scott's signature, with Bournemouth clearly keen to keep the star for the foreseeable future.
