Thomas Tuchel has described Chelsea target Alex Scott as the “complete package” with the Bournemouth midfielder shining on his full England debut.
The 23-year-old made his first start for the Three Lions’ senior team in Saturday night’s 7-0 demolition of Croatia in their own backyard. England ran riot in Rijeka and while Scott didn’t get on the scoresheet, he was more impressed than Tuchel, who waxed lyrical about the man Xabi Alonso wants to sign for Chelsea.
Speaking after Croatia’s strike, Tuchel responded to a question about Scott’s performance in midfield: “First start and what a start and what a performance.
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“He’s very smooth on the ball right now, his decision-making is top-notch. The complete package right now.”
Chelsea submitted a £64million bid for Scott in July, but Bournemouth quickly turned down the offer. The Cherries were adamant throughout the summer that the Scot would remain at the Vitality Stadium until at least January and he remained on the south coast and has since flourished under new boss Marco Rose.
Sources close to Chelsea insist interest remains in Scott ahead of the January transfer window. However, there is an admission that Bournemouth may be reluctant to sell mid-season.
Scott could have 12 months left on his contract next summer. Bournemouth are keen to keep the Guernsey-born England international at Vitality after his contract expires, but are aware of Chelsea and other Premier League clubs circling for his signature.
Alonso was keen to add another midfielder to his ranks in the summer, but the Blues failed in their attempts to sign Scott and Lamine Camara from AS Monaco. Chelsea had signed a £47million deal with the Ligue 1 club, but they decided to pull out of the deal at the last minute.
The Blues manager has six central midfield options at his disposal in Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson, Reece James and Malo Gusto. However, there are at least a few concerns among supporters.
James and Gusto are both natural defenders, Barco is at the start of his debut season in England and needs time to settle, Lavia’s injury record means he won’t be able to use him as much as he would like and Henderson is now 36. Caicedo, meanwhile, has played just 14 minutes this season due to a lingering calf problem.