Liverpool could miss out on a deal to sign Alex Scott from Bournemouth in the future, with a transfer stance that could allow Chelsea to seal a move.
Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth
Alex Scott has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool and Chelsea this summer(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Alex Scott has been lined up as a "top target" for Liverpool, according to reports, but the Reds have set a transfer stance that opens the door for Chelsea to swoop in for the Bournemouth star.
Scott, 23, has been one of the standout stars in the Premier League over the past year, developing into a quality option for the Cherries under the guidance of Andoni Iraola.
Naturally, with the head coach moving to Liverpool, there have been links with the England international and a possible switch to Anfield, to help with growing concerns over the central ranks in recent weeks.
With the midfielder's dwindling contract and reports of a recent refusal to sign an extension, teams have naturally been lining up for an opportunity to land him as a possible bargain option.
Bournemouth's stance has made Scott far from a bargain, however, with claims that the side won't sell this summer, while others state that it will cost upwards of $125 million to get a possible deal done so late in the summer transfer market.
That leaves a potential issue for Liverpool, if there is any hope of getting a transfer sorted before the summer transfer window closes in the next week.
However, according to The Independent, the Reds have a different plan in mind. It's claimed that Scott is a "top target" for the midfield, but that a move is being planned for next summer instead, when the club will be able to push again with some larger transfer fees.
It's claimed that Iraola will have to make do with what he has in the midfield for now, where his options include Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Trey Nyoni.
That approach, however, leaves Liverpool vulnerable to the threat of Chelsea. The same report claims that the Blues are considering a move for Scott before the transfer window closes, and will be willing to test the resolve of the Cherries with a potential offer in the coming days.
Alex Scott of Bournemouth
Chelsea have reportedly had three bids rejected for Alex Scott(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
It follows a saga in which Xabi Alonso could lose his own star midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, who has been linked with Manchester City. That could set off a chain reaction, which may end up having Scott at Stamford Bridge this summer, instead of Anfield next summer.
That leaves Liverpool with a bit of a dilemma. Will the hierarchy continue on the path of waiting for next summer with Scott, or will the other approach force the recruitment team into action this summer, before it is too late.
It sets up what is shaping up to be an intense end to the summer transfer window for the Reds, with plenty of work to be done before the market comes to a close.
Liverpool is continuing to push for the signing of Bradley Barcola, with a meeting setup with PSG to gain some clarity on the forward's situation, and whether a mega-money deal can be agreed to help strengthen the left wing options available to Iraola.
The right wing is slightly more complicated. Liverpool has been chasing Yankuba Minteh's signature at Brighton, but after two rejected bids and the latest valuation placed on the star, a switch now appears unlikely.
It means both the left and right flank needs to be sorted in the next week, on top of a potential midfield addition. But it seems as though it is unlikely to be Scott, at least for now.