Chelsea have received a boost in their bid to sign Alex Scott from Bournemouth, with the Cherries now appearing to be open to his exit
Alex Scott celebrates
Alex Scott could get his move in January(Image: Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Bournemouth are open to selling Chelsea target Alex Scott in January if an offer in the region of £100million arrives. However, it is not the only condition required for the Cherries to sanction an exit.
Chelsea retain an interest in the player for whom they saw a £64m bid turned down over the summer. At that time, Bournemouth told interested parties not to make an offer or approach for the England midfielder.
Scott had wanted to depart with a host of top clubs interested in his signature, but Bournemouth were adamant about holding on to the 23-year-old. The former Bristol City ace rejected the opportunity to extend his deal at the end of last season.
Bournemouth's stance appears to have softened over his stay after holding a final round of talks with his representatives, though they still require an almighty fee. Any agreement is contingent on the club being in a safe position in the Premier League and they reserve the right to change their stance if they need Scott's help to ensure survival in the division.
Chelsea maintain an interest in the player but are likely to face competition. Liverpool are among the clubs that could consider a move for Scott, who is familiar with Reds boss Andoni Iraola from his time at the Vitality Stadium.
Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United all had an interest in Scott over the summer but signed other midfielders in the transfer market.
Alex Scott
Chelsea remain interested in England international Alex Scott(Image: Marko Perkov/AFP)
View 2 Images
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Whether Bournemouth decide to part ways remains to be seen following a winless start in the Premier League. The Cherries sit 18th after three games on three points, but his predecessor, Iraola, underwent a longer winless run when he joined the club.
Bournemouth are frustrated that Scott is currently unavailable after picking up an injury on international duty. The starlet is expected to be out for more than a month but that will give him time to get up to speed for January.
"I'm not a doctor," Rose said on Scott's setback. "Injury to a muscle. We'll do a picture in some days, but we'll miss him for four to five weeks. I'm very disappointed and it's a big loss."
Rose added: "It's disappointing. I don't want to blame anyone. We're very happy he is in the England national team. He did well."