Bournemouth's steadfast refusal to sell Alex Scott is softening, with the England midfielder continuing to refuse offers to sign a new contract at the south coast club, Sky Sports News has been told.
If a big offer came in for him in January, it is something the club would have to consider. While Scott will not agitate for a move, he is ambitious and keen on exploring his options with bigger clubs.
Chelsea and Liverpool retain a serious interest in the 23-year-old, as did Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham before they strengthened their midfield with other options in the summer, after being told by Bournemouth Scott was not for sale.
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Scott's existing contract expires in just over 18 months, and Bournemouth are aware that his value will only shrink further as time passes.
While they do not want to sell him, we have been told they may be open to offers for him in January if the club is practically safe from relegation. Bournemouth have yet to win a Premier League game so far this season, and lost 5-1 at Chelsea last weekend.
Sources have suggested to Sky Sports News an offer in excess of £80m with add-ons would have to be taken seriously by Bournemouth in January.
Scott faces many more weeks on the treatment table after exacerbating a thigh tendon injury whilst away with England, when he made his full senior debut.
Rose: Scott still committed to Bournemouth
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Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose has insisted Scott is committed to the club despite talk growing about a January exit.
Asked about Scott's future on Wednesday ahead of Bournemouth's Europa League game with Sturm Graz, Rose said: "We just closed the other transfer window and we're now talking about the next one.
"We are just focused on the game [against Sturm Graz] and the upcoming game in the Premier League - and not commentating on rumours that show up right after the last transfer window closes.
"It's not frustrating anyway for us. I told you that Alex Scott was going to stay in the summer. We got questions after questions in press conferences for I don't know how many weeks.
"He's a player of our club and now he's injured, we are looking forward to having him back in a couple of days and weeks and we'll continue with Alex Scott.
"And he's quite committed, everyone can see it from the first games [of the season]."