Liverpool and Chelsea appeared to be the main teams battling it out for a transfer target, but it seems as though Real Madrid has barged its way into the conversation
Harry Kane of England celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Croatia and England
Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for an England international(Image: (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
Liverpool's hopes of landing a new midfielder in the coming transfer windows could take a hit, with Real Madrid set to join the race for one possible target.
It follows concerns surrounding the Reds' central ranks, with a belief among some fans and pundits that there is a lack of balance in that area of the pitch in the early days of Andoni Iraola.
The squad so far has shown plenty of attacking intent, but there have been worrying signs that the team may not be as solid in the defensive aspect of the game. Some internal solutions have been suggested, with Jamie Carragher believing that Florian Wirtz needs to be dropped and Dominik Szoboszlai needs to be the number ten, offering some more defensive ability in the midfield if someone like Ryan Gravenberch or Trey Nyoni takes up the deeper role.
However, other solutions have also been floated about the transfer market. Liverpool has been linked with AS Monaco's Lamine Camara as one option who could fix the problem, ahead of a rebuild in several different departments.
Another star who has been rumored to be of interest to the Reds is Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The England international worked under Iraola for a few years and continues to move from strength to strength in his career, excelling at each challenge that has been thrown his way.
That, naturally, means Liverpool isn't the only interested party, as Premier League rival Chelsea has also been heavily linked. However, both teams may be in for a shock, as TeamTalk reports that Real Madrid is looking to barge into the challenge for the midfielder.
Bournemouth and England midfielder Alex Scott
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott could be facing up to two months on the sidelines after suffering a severe injury in England's victory over Croatia on Saturday
The report claims that Los Blancos have recently been monitoring Scott's development and could accelerate their interest as part of a future midfield shake-up.
AC Milan is also claimed to have shown interest, but a fee worth well over $100 million is expected, so the Rossoneri are unlikely to make a move.
The interest continues to ramp up in Scott, with his contract situation at Bournemouth leading to doubts over his future, with less than two years remaining on his deal.
While it is believed that the Cherries are pushing for an extension, which could include a release clause, the chances are that any exit will come at a huge price regardless of his contract situation.
It places Liverpool in an interesting position ahead of January and the summer transfer window, with the Reds carefully needing to consider where its resources will be placed for rebuilding key areas of the squad.
It remains to be seen whether Scott will end up on Merseyside or not, but there are a few huge months ahead regarding his future.