Chelsea pursues early agreement for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott

Chelsea is actively working to secure an early transfer for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott ahead of next summer. The club aims to preempt interest from Premier League rivals including Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Manchester United, who have monitored the player. Bournemouth previously rejected a £64 million bid from Chelsea during the most recent transfer window and has sought to sign Scott to an extension. Contract negotiations between the midfielder and his current club have yet to yield an agreement. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has identified Scott as a primary target following the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City. Because the player will have only 12 months remaining on his contract next summer, Chelsea prefers to wait rather than pursue alternative options during the upcoming January window.

• 9:41 AMYahoo Sports — Chelsea working on early Alex Scott deal to avoid bidding war