Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has admitted the attraction of Man City could turn Alex Scott’s head as the club attempt to persuade the England midfielder to sign a new contract.
Scott attracted interest from several leading Premier League clubs during the summer, with City among those reported to have considered the 23-year-old before strengthening their midfield elsewhere.
Bournemouth resisted interest at the time and remain keen to keep Scott, whose current contract expires in 2028. Foley says the club have not given up hope of agreeing a new deal but accepts that the prospect of joining one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs could influence the midfielder’s thinking.
Foley name-checks Man City over Scott
Speaking about Scott’s future, Foley said Bournemouth remain convinced they are the right club for him and intend to continue discussions over a new contract.
“We haven’t given up,” Foley said, before acknowledging that players can sometimes have “stars in their eyes” and view Chelsea or Manchester City as the right place to move.
The comments are notable because Foley specifically identified City while discussing the difficulty Bournemouth face in retaining one of their leading players. They do not, however, amount to confirmation that City have made a fresh approach or intend to pursue Scott in January.
Scott has continued to enhance his reputation since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 and made his senior England debut this season.
Man City showed summer interest
Sky Sports reported last week that City were among the clubs interested in Scott during the summer, alongside Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham, before those sides strengthened their midfield options elsewhere.
Chelsea and Liverpool are currently reported to retain serious interest, while Bournemouth’s previously firm stance on Scott’s future has begun to soften. Sky reported that a substantial January offer could now be considered, with a package worth more than £80million including add-ons potentially requiring serious consideration.
Scott’s contractual position has contributed to that uncertainty. He has so far declined Bournemouth’s attempts to extend a deal which runs until 2028, although manager Marco Rose has stressed that the midfielder remains committed to the club.
There is no indication at present that City are preparing a January bid, and their summer interest may go no further. Foley’s decision to name-check them nevertheless provides a fresh reminder of City’s previous admiration for Scott as Bournemouth continue their efforts to secure his long-term future.
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