Chelsea have made it very clear they want to sign a new midfielder this summer.
Xabi Alonso pushed hard to land Granit Xhaka from Sunderland but an agreement was not reached.
The uncertainty over Enzo Fernandez is another factor in the Blues' pursuit of a central midfielder. Should the Argentine leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Alonso will want a replacement.
Chelsea are big fans of Bournemouth's Alex Scott
Bournemouth's Alex Scott is one name on the new Chelsea manager's radar.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive season on the south coast last time out, playing a key role in the Cherries' sixth place finish.
His efforts at the heart of Bournemouth's midfield have seen him wanted by some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, including Manchester United, who, like Chelsea, need central additions.
And according to journalist Simon Phillips, the Blues' interest isn't new. The club have "really liked Scott for a while now" and could make a move to sign him before the close of the summer transfer window.
Signing Scott won't be a straightforward operation for Alonso, though.
Major hurdle to overcome
Not only are the Red Devils also in the mix — and able to offer Champions League football — but Bournemouth are doing everything in their power to keep hold of the midfielder.
The young Englishman has two years left on his contract but Phillips claim the Cherries want to tie him down for longer and have offered him a bumper new deal.
It is unlikely the Cherries will be able to offer the same money Manchester United and Chelsea can, but there's no denying Scott is enjoying life on the south coast, and his career is benefiting from the important role he's playing.
For any team hoping to lure the 22-year-old away from the Vitality this summer, they must be able to offer more than just a pay rise.
Scott trained with the England squad prior to the World Cup kicking off. That kind of experience will only inspire him to become part of Thomas Tuchel's future plans. The young midfielder will definitely have his eye on the 2028 European Championships, and rightly so.
So, it goes without saying, money will matter, but playing time and a solid project — one where he's heavily involved — will probably be the two deciding factors.
During his three years at Bournemouth, Scott, who joined from Bristol City's youth academy, has scored six goals and provided five assists in 89 matches in all competitions.
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