Bournemouth midfielder Scott rejects new contract

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has turned down a new contract offer, with several Premier League clubs showing interest in the England Under-21 international. The 22-year-old still has two years remaining on his current deal, but the rejected proposal adds uncertainty around Bournemouth’s efforts to keep one of their leading players.

According to BBC Sport, Bournemouth have rejected a £64m offer from Chelsea and told the London club they do not want further approaches. Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Manchester City have also been linked with Scott during the transfer window, while BBC Sport previously reported that Bournemouth turned down an Arsenal approach in June. The club’s position is that Scott will stay on the south coast, even without signing fresh terms.

Bournemouth are said to be under limited financial pressure to sell after qualifying for the Europa League and raising funds from player sales last summer, including Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Dango Outtara. The club are taking a similar stance over forward Junior Kroupi, who has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham, while Brazil international Rayan is not expected to leave.

Scott joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 for £25m after earlier moving from Guernsey FC to Bristol City in 2020. He made 91 appearances for Bristol City, was named the Championship’s young player of the season in 2022-23, and has since played 89 times for Bournemouth, scoring six goals. He has been involved with England senior squads but has not yet made a senior international appearance.