Alex Scott has been said to be Liverpool's top defensive midfield option having played under Andoni Iraola before but Bournemouth will not let the Englishman leave without a fight
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 is unlikely to leave Bournemouth this summer despite serious interest from Liverpool - but it's been claimed he could be off next year.
The Reds have made approaches to the Cherries regarding their player with head coach Andoni Iraola having managed the England international previously during their time together at the Vitality Stadium.
Those efforts to sign the 23-year-old have been scuppered each time by his club who do not want to sell and have already made grand plans to build the squad around the key element of their side in Scott. Chelsea has also been linked with Scott as the player continues to earn plaudits as well as admirers after his performances last season.
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But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed how his current club has no intention to sell their star man this season, even if he is likely to leave in 2027 despite his contract running until the following year.
"Bournemouth insist on their stance since day one of the summer transfer window: no intention to open doors for Alex Scott exit," the Italian journalist posted on his X account. #AFCB consider Scott key part of the project for this season; likely to leave in 2027, not now."
The key to Romano's point appears to be the fact that Liverpool could potentially make another move next summer and have a bit more luck in meeting a receptive Bournemouth.
We told you this week how the Cherries had set an astronomical asking price for Scott, one which Liverpool would have no interest in coughing up what would be a massive $122million.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - AUGUST 08: Alex Scott of Bournemouth who was sent off in the first half acknowledges his sides fans after the Cherries 2-2 draw during the during the pre-season friendly match between Real Betis Balompie and AFC Bournemouth at Estadio La Cartuja on August 08, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Alex Scott has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Iraola, meanwhile, is not the only link between Scott and Liverpool. Sporting director Richard Hughes plucked the midfielder from the EFL Championship back in 2023 from Bristol City and the recruitment chief would be open to reuniting with him again at Anfield. However it looks unlikely, now, given Hughes' plans to leave Liverpool next summer.
Even if it's not to be Scott who arrives in the final few days of the transfer window, Iraola is confident his side can bolster its ranks and bring in some fresh talent.
Bradley Barcola is close to his move finally being completed while there are offers in for others.
And the Spanish boss admitted to being hopeful that his side can get deals over the line before the deadline rolls around.
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"We will definitely sign some players," Iraola told Sky Sports last week. "Some deals you have to wait until the end. But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1, because it is true that we are still quite thin."
Midfield has been an important target area for Liverpool while right-back and right-wing are also areas of concern.