Report: Liverpool and Chelsea still in the race to sign Premier League star | OneFootball

Liverpool Transfer News: Alex Scott Pathway Emerges as Bournemouth Weigh Release Clause

Liverpool are among the clubs tracking Alex Scott closely, with Bournemouth continuing efforts to tie the midfielder to a new contract before the January window opens. According to TeamTalk, the south coast club remain hopeful of reaching an agreement, but the shape of those talks is what makes this situation particularly interesting for Liverpool and Chelsea alike.

Scott has carried his momentum into the new campaign, and his rise has become increasingly difficult to ignore. The 23-year-old has begun the season strongly, earning recognition at international level and strengthening the sense that a bigger move could develop in the months ahead. As TeamTalk reports, “Chelsea remain keen on the 23-year-old after seeing a bid rejected over the summer, while Liverpool are also showing an interest.”

Alex Scott contract talks gather pace

Bournemouth’s stance is clear. They want to keep Scott, they are still pushing for fresh terms, and they are trying to find a formula that persuades him to stay. That task has not been straightforward. “We understand Scott has so far rejected numerous offers from Bournemouth,” which leaves the club working through more creative options to secure his future.

One of those options could be decisive. “One option being considered is the inclusion of a release clause.” That is significant because it changes the balance of power. Bournemouth may be able to gain Scott’s commitment for the short term while also acknowledging that his trajectory could soon lead elsewhere.

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Bournemouth release clause could open Liverpool door

The detail that stands out most is Bournemouth’s willingness to revisit a structure used before. TeamTalk states that the club are “prepared to follow the approach they used with Antoine Semenyo last season, inserting a release clause into Scott’s new contract as part of their efforts to convince him to commit his future to the club.”

In practical terms, that would give Scott “a clear pathway to a move next summer, should a club meet the agreed figure.” For Liverpool, that matters. Rather than trying to negotiate from a position of Bournemouth resistance, they could face a far cleaner route if a clause is agreed and activated.

There is also a natural line connecting Scott to Anfield. “The Reds’ interest carries an additional connection given former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is now in charge at Anfield,” and while Liverpool’s admiration goes beyond that relationship, familiarity always helps when clubs assess character, tactical fit and development potential.

Liverpool and Chelsea monitor next move

Scott’s recent body of work explains the level of attention. He was a key figure in Bournemouth’s 2025/26 season and has maintained those standards under Marco Rose, starting all five league matches so far with “a goal and an assist in the process.” Bournemouth want progress before January, and they are “hopeful that the prospect of a release clause and the opportunity for Scott to continue his development at the Vitality Stadium can lead to a breakthrough.”

Yet the risk for Bournemouth is obvious. “If a release clause is put in place, Bournemouth will be powerless to stop Scott leaving should Chelsea, Liverpool or another suitor match it.” That leaves this story finely poised. Liverpool are not alone, but a route is emerging, and much may depend on whether Bournemouth’s latest proposal finally lands.

Our View

From a Liverpool perspective, this is exactly the sort of situation worth watching closely. Scott feels like a player whose profile could appeal to a recruitment team looking for Premier League-proven quality, technical security and room for further growth. There is no need to overstate it, because this is still a developing story, but the idea of a release clause immediately makes the whole thing feel more realistic.

As a supporter, the intriguing part is that Scott seems to offer both immediate usefulness and long-term upside. He already looks comfortable at top-flight level, he has handled responsibility, and his England recognition suggests his stock is moving in one direction. If Bournemouth do insert that clause, Liverpool would at least know the terms required to test the deal properly.

The Andoni Iraola link will naturally draw attention too. Familiarity with Scott’s game, personality and tactical discipline could count for plenty when Liverpool weigh up whether to move from interest to something firmer. Supporters will also like the sound of a player who has been trusted heavily and keeps improving.

Chelsea’s presence in the race is the complication, as it often is. Still, if Liverpool genuinely believe Scott suits the next phase of the squad build, this may be one to attack decisively rather than admire from a distance. For now, the contract talks at Bournemouth are the key. If they end with a release clause, Liverpool may suddenly have a very clear decision to make.