Liverpool are monitoring a potential route to signing Alex Scott from Bournemouth as early as next January, with the Cherries understood to be negotiating a new contract for the midfielder that would include a mandatory release clause.

According to TEAMtalk, Bournemouth have tabled multiple renewal proposals to Scott, whose current deal — signed in 2023 — will enter its final year next summer. Keen to avoid losing him for a reduced fee, the club are pushing to insert a release clause in any new agreement, ensuring any suitor must meet a set price to prise him away.

Chelsea rivalry and a summer setback

That development has caught Liverpool's attention and placed them alongside Chelsea in the race for the 23-year-old. Chelsea were heavily interested in Scott during the summer window but were turned away — Bournemouth had no appetite to lose a cornerstone of their squad ahead of their first European campaign on the south coast.

FourFourTwo understands that Bournemouth have set January as an internal deadline to secure Scott's future, wary of repeating a scenario they faced last season when Antoine Semenyo departed for Manchester City in the winter window. That sale came despite Bournemouth going unbeaten for the remainder of the Premier League season and achieving their highest-ever top-flight finish of sixth — a remarkable campaign under then-manager Andoni Iraola.

The Iraola connection

Iraola, now in charge at Liverpool, is familiar with Scott from their shared spell at Bournemouth. The Basque coach played a significant role in the midfielder's development, and that prior relationship could give Liverpool an edge over their rivals in any pursuit.

Scott has carried his impressive second-half-of-season form into the current campaign under new Bournemouth manager Marco Rose, earning a second call-up to the England squad — though he is yet to make his senior debut under Thomas Tuchel.

Liverpool's midfield has drawn scrutiny this season, with Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister all regarded as attack-minded operators in the centre of the park. Youngster Trey Nyoni has deputised in central midfield, but reinforcements may be needed to provide greater balance in the engine room.

Scott's value and fit

Transfermarkt values Scott at €50 million. At 23, he still has considerable room to grow, and his familiarity with Iraola's demands — particularly out of possession — could accelerate his integration at Anfield far more quickly than an alternative recruit. Bournemouth's other high-profile departures in recent years, including Dominic Solanke, Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, and Ilya Zabarnyi, all commanded substantial fees; the club will be determined not to let Scott leave on the cheap.

Whether a deal materialises in January or next summer remains to be seen, but Liverpool appear to have been handed a credible pathway to a player who could be the ideal fit for Iraola's system.