Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has advised the club against signing Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, suggesting Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton would be a better fit. Liverpool and Chelsea have both been linked with Scott, who is valued at around £100 million by Bournemouth.
Scott's rise and Bournemouth's stance
The 23-year-old joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in the summer of 2023 for a fee of around £25 million and has impressed in the Premier League. His performances earned him his first two England caps during the recent international break, including a standout display in the 7-0 victory over Croatia on his full debut.
Bournemouth have reportedly softened their stance on an exit, having previously ruled out a transfer, and are now willing to let him go for around £100 million next year. Scott remains on the contract he signed in 2023, which expires in 2028, leaving the Cherries with limited time to cash in on one of their key players.
Collymore's preference for Wharton
Speaking to Betarades.gr, Collymore argued that Liverpool, managed by former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, do not need Scott. 'Alex Scott is an all-round midfielder and he is not as great at going back as [Elliot] Anderson, Wharton or [Declan] Rice. He can create chances and he is an all-round midfielder, but I don't think he is needed for Liverpool,' he said.
'I think his best position is in that [Florian] Wirtz area and Liverpool doesn't need two players in the same area. What Liverpool need is a hard-working midfielder who can get the job done both ways. For me, Wharton would be better suited for that than Alex Scott.'
Collymore acknowledged that Wharton's form has dipped recently but believes he remains good enough for the highest level. 'I like Adam Wharton. He never stops moving and he is a bit similar to Elliot Anderson or Jack Hinshelwood. In that position, obviously Declan Rice is peaking now at Arsenal,' he said.
'You need to have a midfielder who has the discipline to sit in front of the back four but is good enough technically to pick the ball up and get the team playing. He has to do all kinds of unseen work, which can make it easier for your front three to perform.'
Collymore added: 'Adam Wharton has all the abilities to do that and I am surprised he is still at Crystal Palace, but we also have to say that his performances the last 18 months have been up and down. The club has been up and down as well.'
Anderson comparison and verdict
The former England forward also compared Wharton to Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, suggesting Anderson could surpass Rice in the future. 'Do I think he is as good as Elliot Anderson? He is very good on the ball, but I think Anderson has a gear or two more in him and personally I think Elliot Anderson in maybe three years time will be even better than Declan Rice, which might sound a bit silly right now,' Collymore said.
'Anderson can do everything. He can grow into becoming better than Rice. He can do anything. But for Liverpool, yes, Adam Wharton would be a good signing. Maybe he would be a 7/10 or 8/10 signing. He is a quality midfielder and Liverpool are looking at him for sure.'
