Alex Scott is reportedly pushing to secure a move to Chelsea after the Blues saw a £64 million bid rejected. The Bournemouth midfielder is also of interest to Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham.
However, according to the Standard, Scott is keen to join Chelsea and has no intention of committing to an extension at Bournemouth. The former Bristol City midfielder has two years left on his current deal on the south coast.
Bournemouth Insist He Is Not for Sale
Despite his determination to secure a summer switch, Bournemouth insist he is not for sale and remain hopeful of convincing him to agree fresh terms. The Cherries offered Scott a new contract in March, but talks have stalled, with the Guernsey-born midfielder focused on leaving.
Scott featured in all but three Premier League fixtures for the Cherries last season. He contributed to the club's sixth-place finish in the top division and secured their spot in the Europa League.
In addition, Scott received his maiden England senior call-up last November, although he didn't feature in any matches. He was selected as one of five players – alongside Rio Ngumoha, Jason Steele, Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri – who would link up with the Three Lions squad for the preparation camp ahead of the World Cup.
Chelsea's Midfield Pursuit
Chelsea kept a watchful eye on Scott and his development throughout last season. With central midfield firmly in Xabi Alonso's sights as an area requiring improvement, the Blues have stepped up their pursuit of Scott, lodging a £64m bid – though Bournemouth were quick to send it packing.
Prior to the move for Scott, Alonso had hoped to reunite with Granit Xhaka, with Chelsea submitting an £8m offer to Sunderland for the 33-year-old last month, only for it to be promptly knocked back. The Blues initially received positive signals from the Switzerland international regarding a potential switch to Stamford Bridge, and a second offer was being mulled over – however, Xhaka subsequently pledged his allegiance to the Black Cats, prompting the west Londoners to walk away from talks.
Chelsea also harbour a longstanding interest in Adam Wharton, sources say, with the Crystal Palace midfielder's future at Selhurst Park far from certain. The Blues have monitored Wharton's progression closely at their London rivals over the past couple of seasons, though in a central midfield market, one that has seen Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes cost almost £100m, the England international is unlikely to come at a bargain price.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow to Michael Carrick's squad at Old Trafford in this transfer window.
