Midfield rebuild continues
Manchester City have joined the growing list of Premier League clubs monitoring Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, according to reports. The 22-year-old England international has emerged as a target for the Blues as sporting director Hugo Viana and Enzo Maresca look to reshape the midfield.
Scott's stock has risen considerably following Bournemouth's remarkable 2025/26 campaign, which saw them qualify for the Europa League under now-Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola. His development earned him a call-up to the senior England squad currently preparing for the World Cup in Florida.
At the Etihad, plans are already underway to inject young, dynamic talent into central midfield. The club has already completed a £116 million move for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, and Scott is now being considered as another potential piece of the puzzle under Maresca.
MailSport's Chris Wheeler reports that City face stiff competition for the player. Manchester United are also admirers, while Arsenal are expected to be the main rivals at present. Chelsea and Tottenham have shown interest too, though Spurs have already signed both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.
Price tag rising
The Cherries are playing hardball. They continue to insist Scott is not for sale and want to improve his current contract, which runs until 2028. While there had been a feeling a transfer would sit around the £60 million mark, Bournemouth are reportedly set to demand even more following other midfield deals across the Premier League this summer.
Having already rejected initial formal enquiries from Premier League clubs, Bournemouth's internal valuation is believed to have sky-rocketed toward the £80 million mark. The club may also look to insert a protective release clause, modelled on the blueprint used during Antoine Semenyo's high-profile switch to City in January.
City's financial muscle could give them an edge should Viana decide to test Bournemouth's resolve. Pre-season training looms, with a mid-July return date pencilled in for those exiting the World Cup early and those not at the tournament entirely.