Liverpool prepare for almighty battle to land England midfielder ahead of Real Madrid and Chelsea
Liverpool opted against making a signing in midfield last summer.
Andoni Iraola is relying on the same cast of midfield characters in the middle of the park. In fact the 2024/25 Premier League champions instead got rid of some of their midfield options.
With Trey Nyoni earmarked for more football this season - and James McConnell not going on loan - certain names were sacrificed without replacements coming in.
Curtis Jones was the headline departure - joining Inter Milan for around €35m. Also out the door went Harvey Elliott on loan to La Liga side Valencia with Stefan Bajcetic re-joining hometown club Celta Vigo.
Liverpool identify Alex Scott as midfield target
The wisdom of those moves remains to be seen - with Ryan Gravenberch in particular looking off the pace under Iraola and Alexis Mac Allister’s future in doubt.
We could see new sporting director Julian Ward move for a new midfielder before long and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is a name firmly in the frame.
That’s according to a new report from TEAMtalk - which claims the Reds alongside Chelsea represent the keenest Premier League interest.
“The Blues continue to keep close tabs on his progress,” the report reads. “Liverpool, meanwhile, also hold significant interest in the talented midfielder.”
Real Madrid enter Alex Scott transfer race
Nonetheless a move for England star Scott could be jeopardy owing to the presence of Real Madrid. It’s been reported that the 15-time European champions want the 23-year-old to lead their midfield rebuild and have scouted him several times in the flesh.
Madrid were reported to be present in Rijeka this weekend as Scott led England to a 7-0 UEFA Nations League rout over Croatia.
Bournemouth would ideally tie the former Bristol City playmaker to a new contract and definitely want to avoid selling him in the January transfer window.
Next summer and it looks like a transfer battle will be looming for the Cherries’ standout - with Liverpool well placed to make a bid owing to the presence of his former coach Andoni Iraola in the Anfield dugout.
Alex Scott: Situation summary
Alex Scott has developed into one of Bournemouth’s most rounded midfielders. The 23-year-old is a press-resistant, technically clean No.8 who can also operate deeper or higher up the pitch.
He receives well under pressure, carries through midfield and looks to progress play rather than simply recycle it, while his energy and counter-pressing suit Bournemouth’s aggressive approach.
After becoming a regular last season, Scott has started 2026/27 strongly, with a goal in his first five Premier League appearances and a series of influential all-round displays.
His form has also translated into a senior England breakthrough. Scott is contracted until 2028, but he has rejected Bournemouth extension proposals and the club are still seeking a renewal.
Bournemouth do not intend to sell in January, although continued uncertainty will strengthen the position of interested Premier League clubs ahead of next summer.
