Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been handed a significant boost in the race to sign Alex Scott after the Bournemouth midfielder rejected the club’s latest contract proposal.
The highly-rated England youngster has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after midfielders following another impressive campaign on the south coast, with several of England’s biggest clubs monitoring his situation closely.
Sky Sports News say Bournemouth have held extensive discussions with Scott over a new deal since the closing stages of last season and have presented multiple contract offers in an attempt to secure his long-term future.
However, the 22-year-old has indicated he is not prepared to commit to fresh terms at this stage.
Scott still has two years remaining on his existing contract and Bournemouth remain determined to keep him, despite growing interest from elsewhere.
The Cherries have already rejected approaches from United, Arsenal and Chelsea, with all three clubs continuing to track developments ahead of the closing weeks of the transfer window.
Scott is believed to remain a priority target for the Premier League trio after travelling with England’s squad for the World Cup this summer, while several other clubs are also monitoring his availability.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been handed a significant boost in the race to sign Alex Scott after the Bournemouth midfielder rejected the club’s latest contract proposal
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Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, however, Bournemouth are not preparing for an imminent sale.
Club officials remain confident Scott will still be at the Vitality Stadium next season, whether he eventually signs an extension or enters the campaign on his current agreement.
The club’s stance reflects a wider determination to retain the core of their squad ahead of an historic season, with Bournemouth preparing for their first-ever European campaign.
Alex Scott established himself as a key player for Bournemouth last season as the club finished sixth in the Premier League table
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Highly-rated youngsters Junior Kroupi and Rayan have also attracted attention from rival clubs, but Bournemouth have made it clear they want to keep hold of all three players.
New head coach Marco Rose has publicly expressed confidence that Scott and his fellow rising stars will remain part of his plans as he prepares for the biggest challenge in the club’s history.
“I think Alex knows what he has with this club, and it’s always about the right moment to do the next step,” Rose said last week.
“Because if you are a young player and you do steps – and nowadays it happens many times – too fast, too quick, then it’s getting difficult.
“The club is doing a lot of things to show the players that they are in the right place.”
Rose believes Bournemouth’s current project offers the ideal environment for talented young players to continue their development rather than rushing into a high-profile transfer.
Bournemouth boss Marco Rose insists his side are capable of holding onto their best players
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“So far, it’s not a challenge for me, to be honest. The first four days, we are in touch and my feeling is that the boys are feeling really good here,” he added.
The German also highlighted Kroupi’s progress as evidence of what can be achieved by remaining at the club.
“Kroupi made great improvement last season, so I think for him there’s no ceiling. Even he knows that he’s in a good place to improve.
“He’s playing in Europe, he’ll have many games and he’s playing in the most competitive and intensive league in the world.
“So far I don’t have the feeling that anyone is trying to leave the club.”
