Both Liverpool and Manchester United have been handed a clear asking price as they look to secure the signature of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Bournemouth have placed a valuation of around £80m on the 23-year-old Englishman, who has attracted significant interest from the two Premier League giants.
Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in Scott, meaning the race for his signature could become a fiercely contested battle.
Liverpool’s push for Scott is driven in part by new manager Andoni Iraola, who previously worked with the midfielder during his time in charge at Bournemouth on the South Coast.
Iraola was appointed at Anfield following the sacking of Arne Slot, whose tenure ended after a poor title defence left the club needing a major reset heading into the new campaign.
At Bournemouth, Iraola used Scott effectively in both the number eight and number ten roles, making full use of his technical versatility and intelligence in possession.
After a man-of-the-match performance against Arsenal in April, in which Scott scored the winner, the manager described the midfielder as “amazing,” underlining just how highly the Basque coach regards him.
Manchester United’s interest stems from a need to add steel and quality in the centre of the park, following the departure of Casemiro and continued uncertainty over Manu Ugarte’s future at the club.
United have already moved in the transfer market this summer, completing the signing of Ederson from Atalanta in a £35m deal, but another midfielder could still arrive before the window closes.
Scott would complement the likes of Bruno Fernandes by offering a more industrious presence in midfield, giving United’s attacking players greater freedom further up the pitch.
Despite the interest from two of England’s biggest clubs, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is determined to keep Scott at Vitality Stadium and is optimistic the player will sign a new contract featuring a release clause, similar to the terms of Antoine Semenyo’s deal before his move to Manchester City.
With two months remaining in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool or United will be prepared to meet Bournemouth’s £80m valuation or look to alternative and more affordable midfield targets.