Alex Scott is favouring a move to Chelsea, who have had a £64million offer turned down for the Bournemouth midfielder, in a major blow to Manchester United. The 22-year-old has attracted attention from several top clubs this summer, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Scott's preference and contract situation
Scott is understood to be set on joining Chelsea, according to the Standard, and has no intention of signing a new deal at Bournemouth. The former Bristol City midfielder has two years left on his contract at the Vitality Stadium.
Despite his push for a summer move, Bournemouth remain adamant he is not for sale and believe they can still convince him to agree fresh terms. The Cherries first offered Scott a new contract in March, but talks have stalled, with the Guernsey‑born midfielder firmly focused on securing a move elsewhere.
Scott's impact and Chelsea's pursuit
Scott featured in all but three Premier League fixtures for the Cherries last season, helping the club secure a sixth-place finish in the top flight and a place in the Europa League. In addition, Scott received his maiden England senior call-up last November, though he did not feature. He was named as one of five players alongside Rio Ngumoha, Jason Steele, Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri to join the Three Lions squad for the preparatory camp ahead of the World Cup.
Chelsea, meanwhile, had been monitoring Scott closely throughout the previous campaign. With central midfield an area Xabi Alonso is keen to strengthen, the Blues have stepped up their pursuit of Scott. A £64m bid has been submitted by Chelsea, though Bournemouth were swift to reject the approach.
Other transfer activity
Prior to the move for Scott, Alonso had sought a reunion with Granit Xhaka, and Chelsea tabled an £8m offer to Sunderland for the 33-year-old last month, only for it to be promptly dismissed. The Blues initially received positive signals from the Switzerland international regarding a switch to Stamford Bridge, and a second offer was under consideration, but Xhaka subsequently pledged his loyalty to the Black Cats and the west Londoners walked away from talks.
In Manchester, Michael Carrick has already added Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow to his squad at Old Trafford in this transfer window.
