West Ham United reluctant to splash £25m on Alex Scott transfer

Bournemouth now lead the race to sign Bristol City sensation Alex Scott with West Ham United reluctant to pay £25m on the midfielder this summer, according to TEAMtalk.

The 19-year-old emerged as one of the hottest footballing teenage prospects in the country following his superb showings for the Sky Bet Championship side last season, registering a goal and five assists from 42 outings.

The English sensation has been heavily linked with a Premier League move over the past months and Hammers reportedly holding talks for his signature (Daily Mail, 29 June), but it now seems as if the Cherries have got the upper hand.

Premier League rivals Bournemouth are set to back new manager Andoni Iraola in the transfer market this summer and are therefore ready to test Bristol City’s resolve by meeting their £25m asking price, with West Ham United reluctant to do so, according to the report (11 July).

Big mistake

Considering the huge and remarkable gifts Scott possesses in his wonderful weaponry right now and his stark potential, West Ham United would be silly to lose out to Bournemouth for his signature.

With the Hammers set to receive a huge cash injection from a number of key London Stadium departures, £25m for a player of Scott’s ability shouldn’t really be a problem as the price could prove an absolute snip in the next few years.

Scott’s silky control, versatility, tactical understanding, maturity despite his tender age and ability to weave his magic in the middle and final third would balance nicely with the physicality the East London club possess in midfield, and at just 19 years old he certainly has plenty of room to grow and become a star-studded name like the departing Declan Rice did.

Scott’s bravery and character at the tender age of 19 is what Moyes would love in his squad, especially with Rice now gone and West Ham United facing the challenge of the Europa League next season.

East London should be the ideal platform for plenty of English sensations to make the grade but it seems as if the Irons are willing to lose out on one of the best of the lot. Big mistake.

In other West Ham news, one senior club figure is facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium following the appointment of Tim Steidten.