Bournemouth have set their sights on Bristol City prospect Alex Scott this summer, but they are not alone in their interest towards the talented teenager.
According to the Daily Mail, the Cherries have had a bid of £15million knocked back by the Robins with the Championship outfit determined to hold out for at least £25million.
West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also said to be keen on Scott, with Italian giants Inter Milan another side linked.
The 19-year-old made 49 appearances for Nigel Pearson’s side last year, scoring twice and assisting five as the Robins finished 14th in the Championship.
His performances during the last campaign earned him the individual accolade of Young Player of the Year in the second division, beating the likes of Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo who excelled whilst with Sunderland.
Scott’s recognition is growing seemingly as fast as his potential is rising, so it is no surprise that Bournemouth have tested the Robins’ resolve this summer. It will likely be the first of many bids and enquiries submitted for the England U20 international.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hailed the youngster as an ‘unbelievable player’ following the Cityzens’ FA Cup tie against the Robins last season. He is not the type to throw around such gleaming comments for the sake of it either, so that is praise from the highest order.
The Cherries may have to act fast though with an apparent queue beginning to gather. Both West Ham and Wolves have a history of dipping into the Championship market for new signings, so Bournemouth’s rebuffed bid may well have just started a chain reaction as the battle begins for his signature.
What next for Scott?
Robins boss Pearson himself stated that it would have to be more than £25m should they let their Player of the Year depart the club.
“It has got to be more than £25million, he should not go for less than that,” said the ex-Leicester City gaffer.
Scott has made 91 appearances for the Championship outfit in total, with six goals and seven assists to his name, all before turning 20.
It looks as though the teenager’s stay in Bristol may soon be behind him, but this transfer saga could easily be stretched throughout the summer to determine the best deal.
This will be an interesting case to keep an eye on.