Liverpool fear Chelsea may have moved ahead of them in the race for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with a deal potentially being lined up for the summer. The Reds are reportedly considering alternative targets as a result.
Scott was widely expected to attract significant interest last summer, but Bournemouth managed to retain the midfielder. That position could change in the coming months, with Chelsea strongly linked and Liverpool understood to have maintained a long-standing interest.
Chelsea target Alex Scott as Liverpool assess alternatives
A report claims Liverpool are concerned that Chelsea, led by Xabi Alonso, have effectively secured an agreement for Scott after missing out on other midfield targets during the summer window.
The potential move could see Chelsea return to their preferred option, although Scott is expected to command a fee of about £100 million. Liverpool, meanwhile, are said to be exploring other ways to strengthen their midfield.
Lamine Camara and Manu Kone have reportedly been identified as possible alternatives by Liverpool’s transfer committee, headed by Julian Ward. Both players were also targets for Chelsea during the final stages of the summer window.
Kone is valued at around £65 million, while Camara could be available for approximately £47 million. Neither has the Premier League experience of Scott, but both are regarded as promising midfielders.
The situation could therefore develop into a reversal of the expected summer picture, with Chelsea potentially landing Scott while Liverpool pursue players previously considered by the Blues.
Scott, Camara and Kone could all be on the move either in January or during next summer’s transfer window.
