Liverpool have been told to prioritise a move for Adam Wharton over Alex Scott. Former Reds forward Stan Collymore believes the Crystal Palace midfielder would be better suited to the club than Bournemouth's Scott, who has been valued at around £100m.
Scott's season and valuation
Scott featured in all but one of Bournemouth's 38 Premier League games last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist as the Cherries finished sixth under current Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola. A reunion with Iraola has been suggested since the Spaniard moved to Anfield.
It emerged earlier this week that Bournemouth would consider a big offer for Scott in January, believed to be around £100m. Arsenal and Manchester United have both expressed interest in signing Scott in the past, while Chelsea had an offer rejected during the summer transfer window.
Collymore's verdict on Wharton
Collymore, however, argues that Scott is too similar to Liverpool's Florian Wirtz. He told Betarades.gr: "Alex Scott is an all-round midfielder and he is not as great at going back as Anderson, Wharton or Rice. He can create chances and he is an all-round midfielder, but I don't think he is needed for Liverpool. I think his best position is in that Wirtz area and Liverpool doesn't need two players in the same area."
He added: "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."
Wharton's potential and form
Wharton's current deal with Palace runs until 2029, and he has also been linked with Manchester City and Manchester United. Collymore, while acknowledging that the midfielder has not been at his best this season, believes the England international has what it takes to cut it at the top level.
He said: "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. 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."
He concluded: "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. 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."
