Liverpool are being urged to beat Chelsea to the signing of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the club's momentum growing after a penalty shootout victory in the Carabao Cup. The Reds advanced to the quarter-finals with a 6-5 shootout win at Anfield, following a 1-1 draw that extended their winning run to five matches.
Scott urged to choose Anfield over Chelsea
Scott, 23, was the subject of intense interest from several big Premier League clubs over the summer, but Bournemouth opted not to sell despite multiple bids from Chelsea. The Blues are expected to renew their interest in the England international in January, with a potential £80 million deal on the cards.
Former Liverpool and Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has advised Scott to join Liverpool, citing the club's stability and direction. "As of today, I'd have to say Liverpool [over Chelsea]," Johnson said. "That's not necessarily due to him getting more game-time or anything like that, but I'm saying it more from the perspective of Liverpool as a club being a lot more stable and they're going in a better direction."
Johnson added: "I'd choose Liverpool purely for stability, but I'm not sure which club he'd get more game-time at to be honest. You can certainly understand why both clubs are interested in him though."
Nyoni impresses in midfield
Trey Nyoni started in midfield on Wednesday night and produced a man-of-the-match performance against a Chelsea engine room featuring Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. After the game, team-mate Rio Ngumoha insisted the 19-year-old has more to offer.
"Trey is top," Ngumoha said. "You guys haven't even seen him at his very best yet. He definitely has another level to go and he's only 19." He added: "The sky is the limit for Trey. I'm really happy he's getting the minutes to show himself, but also everyone else, how good he is."
Manager Andoni Iraola was also impressed with the teenager's display. "I think he has done very well. Really well," said the Liverpool boss. "It's good for the young players especially to have these experiences in cup competitions, where if you lose, you're out."
Iraola noted that the young players experienced the pressure of a tight contest without being involved in the shootout. "We were losing and then drew level. They weren't involved in the penalty shootout, but they experienced those feelings. They played under pressure against a very good team. And Trey finished physically in a good place, so well done to him."
The result means Liverpool have now won five consecutive matches since their 3-0 defeat by Manchester City earlier this month, with Virgil van Dijk highlighting the renewed optimism around the club after the game. The Reds will look to build on their momentum as they target a place in the Premier League title race and consider potential opportunities in the transfer market.
