Andoni Iraola has been backed to use his knowledge of Alex Scott to bring the Bournemouth midfielder to Liverpool this summer. The £80m-rated England international is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester United, while Chelsea have already had a bid rejected by the Cherries.
Scott played in 37 of Bournemouth's 38 Premier League games last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist as the club finished sixth under Iraola. The Spaniard has since replaced Arne Slot at Liverpool following Slot's sacking.
Smicer backs Iraola to land Scott
Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer believes Iraola's familiarity with Scott could be decisive. "I think you can expect Andoni Iraola would like to take Alex Scott because he knows what he can do," the 2005 Champions League winner said.
"To be honest, in midfield we need a bit more spark with people who are fighting but are clever going forward, turning quickly with the ball and finding strikers.
"Of course, we expect a lot from (Florian) Wirtz to do this. But Andoni Iraola knows Alex Scott. If the price is right and he sees the possibility to strengthen the team, why not?
"Curtis Jones is linked with a few moves, and if he leaves, we need midfield press. We don't know what's happening with (Alexis) Mac Allister, he had a bit of a weak season and was not at the same level.
"(Ryan) Gravenberch had a good start, but then it was not the best. Only (Dominik) Szoboszlai was a top player in midfield for the whole season.
"In midfield you need competition, and Scott can be a great asset because he's only twenty-two and is playing regularly for the England youth teams.
"He's a good prospect and a local guy from the UK. These things are important. I don't know if he would love to play for Liverpool, but not many players would turn them down.
"He's got a good chance now because Andoni Iraola is the new manager. If he likes him, I think we can find the money."
Contract situation and Cherries legend's verdict
Scott has two years remaining on his Bournemouth contract and is believed to have rejected a new deal with the club. Although he hopes the England international stays at the Vitality Stadium, Cherries legend Steve Fletcher has warned that any signing side would be getting a "phenomenal player".
"He's phenomenal and he's been phenomenal, especially from January onwards," the former Bournemouth striker said. "He wasn't the only one, though, who was phenomenal last season. I thought Eli Junior Kroupi was magnificent and Adrien Truffert was outstanding.
"It wasn't just Alex Scott, but he grabbed the attention because he was producing some performances that were top class. He was magnificent.
"He's not only a good player, he's a good person as well, and he has taken everything in his stride; he gets on with his work and is a true professional.
"We wish him all the success with whatever happens, but I'm just hoping he stays under the AFC Bournemouth badge for the foreseeable future."
