Chelsea have reportedly moved into contention to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the prospect of working under Xabi Alonso said to be influencing the player’s thinking.
Interest in Scott remains despite Chelsea’s midfield improving at the weekend, when Moises Caicedo returned to partner Jordan Henderson. The club are still being linked with a move for the Bournemouth player, with fresh reports suggesting momentum behind a possible January deal.
Alonso’s tactical approach is understood to appeal to Scott, while Chelsea’s squad contains a significant collection of highly rated young players. The 22-year-old could potentially fit into the two-man midfield alongside Caicedo, should he eventually move to Stamford Bridge.
January move for Alex Scott appears unlikely
Any immediate transfer faces a significant obstacle, however, as Bournemouth are reluctant to sell during the January window. The club have also been pushed towards the wrong end of the table after their defeat by Chelsea on Saturday, leaving them 17th and potentially vulnerable to dropping further.
Scott is expected to remain out injured for a couple of months, meaning his return is likely to come close to the January window. By then, Bournemouth could be heavily involved in a relegation battle, making the club even less inclined to part with one of their key players.
A move to Chelsea in the summer therefore appears more plausible than a deal in January, despite the renewed speculation surrounding Scott’s future.
