Thomas Tuchel
England head coach Thomas Tuchel(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA)
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Thomas Tuchel has described Chelsea target Alex Scott as the 'complete package' with the Bournemouth midfielder shining on his full England debut.
The 23-year-old made his first start for the Three Lions' senior side on Saturday evening in the 7-0 demolition of Croatia in their own back yard. England ran riot in Rijeka and while Scott did not get on the scoresheet, he more than impressed Tuchel, who waxed lyrical about the man Xabi Alonso wants to sign for Chelsea.
Speaking after the thumping of Croatia, Tuchel was asked about Scott's display in midfield, and said: "First start and what a start and what a performance.
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"He is just so smooth at the moment on the ball, his decision making is at the highest level. The complete package at the moment."
Chelsea lodged a £64million offer for Scott back in July but Bournemouth were swift to rebuff the bid. The Cherries were adamant all summer-long that Scott would remain at the Vitality Stadium until January - at the very least - and he ended up staying down on the south coast and has flourished under new head coach Marco Rose ever since.
Sources close to Chelsea insist there remains an interest in Scott ahead of the January transfer window. There is, however, an acceptance that Bournemouth might be reluctant to sell midway through the season.
Next summer, Scott could have 12 months on his contract remaining. Bournemouth want the Guernsey-born England international to remain at the Vitality beyond the expiration of his deal but are aware of Chelsea, and other Premier League clubs, circling for his signature.
Alex Scott
Chelsea remain interested in England international Alex Scott(Image: Marko Perkov/AFP)
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Alonso wanted to add another midfielder to his ranks over the summer but the Blues failed in their attempt to sign Scott and Lamine Camara from AS Monaco. Chelsea had a £47m agreement signed with the Ligue 1 club, but at the last minute, they decided to pull out of the deal.
The Blues manager has six central midfield options in Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson, Reece James and Malo Gusto at his disposal. However, amongst supporters at least, there are a few concerns.
James and Gusto are both natural full-backs, Barco is at the start of his debut season in England and needs time to settle, Lavia's injury record means he cannot be used as much as he would like, and Henderson is now 36. Caicedo, meanwhile, has played just 14 minutes this season due to a persistent calf problem.