'Phenomenal' - Everything Andoni Iraola has said about Alex Scott after Liverpool development
Liverpool are reportedly interested in a move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in the coming transfer windows.
The 23-year-old has also garnered the attention of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, after a very promising campaign.
The England international has just two years remaining on his contract and does not appear likely to sign a new deal, meaning a solution next summer will almost certainly be needed.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola oversaw Scott's development at the Vitality Stadium and would be hopeful of a reunion at Anfield.
Bournemouth are insistent that a move will not happen in January, however, with the Reds' lack of midfield depth a concern this season.
Even with just a year remaining on his contract next summer, the Cherries would be unlikely to accept a bid similar to the £64million they rejected from Chelsea in July.
Andoni Iraola waxed lyrical about Alex Scott
Bournemouth signed Scott from Bristol City in 2023 for £25m, after he had impressed in the Championship.
The midfielder missed significant chunks of his first two seasons in the Premier League through injury, but retained the faith from Iraola.
Last season was Scott's breakthrough - the 23-year-old made 39 appearances across all competitions and was among the standout midfielders in the Premier League.
Especially towards the end of the campaign, the youngster hit the kind of level that Thomas Tuchel simply could not ignore, having handed him his England debut this week.
Speaking in April, Iraola said: "Alex [Scott] has been like this for many months. He was amazing today. He's in such good form. I'm so happy for him. He's worked a lot to be at this level."
Those comments came after the former Bristol star had scored the winner against eventual champions Arsenal. He added: "‘I’m very happy because he is becoming a very, very complete player."
In May. after Scott had been named in an England training squad, Iraola said: "He is more than good enough to be there. I think he has been phenomenal this season, the whole season.
"I think in a defender role, trying to help the ones in the squad, I think he will be a great help for England. His attitude has always been top. If they need him or something happens, he will be ready. Defensively I think he is one of the best."
Scott's stats from remarkable season
Bournemouth will retain hope of convincing Scott to sign a new contract, but their chances appear to be dwindling by the day.
The midfielder's exceptional season has attracted interest that the Cherries simply cannot fight off.
Remarkably, Scott produced 2.22 chances per game in the Premier League last season, and won 3.43 fouls - more than 96.3 per cent of midfelders.
The 23-year-old was the best midfielder in the Premier League for winning the ball in the final third, taking back possession 1.41 times per game.
And that's not to mention the 7.26 recoveries he notched per game, either.
Bournemouth will hope to get one last strong season out of him before he ultimately leaves the club next summer, with Iraola hoping their relationship is good enough to hand Liverpool the advantage.