Bournemouth star Alex Scott has been subject to interest from a host of Premier League clubs with Chelsea making calls in recent days to complete a last-gasp deal
Alex Scott looks on during a Bournemouth game
Chelsea have failed in a late move for Bournemouth's Alex Scott(Image: James Gill/Danehouse)
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Alex Scott is set to be next summer’s hottest property - after Bournemouth blocked his departure in this transfer window.
Chelsea made a last-gasp effort to sign the Bournemouth midfielder having already had a £64m bid turned down earlier in the summer.
The Blues made 23-year-old Scott their No1 target to replace Enzo Fernandez but Bournemouth were adamant they would not sell any of their prized assets.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool also showed strong interest in the England prospect who is regarded as one of the country’s best ball-playing midfielders.
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Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola knows him from his time at Bournemouth while Arsenal also made strong inquiries. Manchester United had him firmly on their radar as they rebuilt their midfield this summer - but were told it was a no-go.
Scott has turned down a new contract at Bournemouth and has entered the final two years of his current deal. That alerted clubs to the chance of doing a deal for the player who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City three years ago for £25m.
It has proved to be another piece of outstanding business for Bournemouth who will bank at least four times their investment as they now have a £100m player on their hands. But they were determined to take a stand this summer and not sell any of their big names despite Iraola’s departure.
Eli Junior Kroupi
Eli Junior Kroupi was also the subject of interest, but remains with the Cherries(Image: Getty Images)
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Brazil winger Rayan and also Junior Kroupi - who has attracted interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain - were two more who have been courted by clubs all summer.
But Bournemouth told the players they cannot leave and selling one would have caused a backlash in the dressing room if they had broken their word.
But now Bournemouth know Scott will run his deal down - unless he does a U-turn and re-signs - and only have a year left next summer which will reduce his value in the market.
However, with a bidding war likely to take place between the Premier League ’s big guns, the price could still be high. Chelsea's £64m offer was remarkable - and they would have gone higher - considering he has not actually been capped at full England level.
Scott was with the England squad before this summer's World Cup
Scott was with the England squad before this summer's World Cup
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Scott went with the England squad in the summer as part of their pre World Cup training camp to Florida but did not play or get promoted to the 26 for the tournament.
But Thomas Tuchel names his squad later this month for the Nations League fixtures with Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia and Scott will surely stand a great chance.
Despite the speculation and uncertainty, he has started the season well and shown his focus and professionalism as he scored against Everton on Saturday.
Scott is definitely destined for big things and may also be the answer to Tuchel’s complaints about English football’s DNA because he keeps the ball and his best qualities are as a ball player.
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