Andoni Iraola wants nine-figure deal for England midfielder

Liverpool opted against making any midfield signings last summer.

In fact head coach Andoni Iraola sanctioned departures from the sector instead. Curtis Jones made his way to Inter Milan while others - such as Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott also left for pastures new.

That business has left the 2024/25 Premier League champions a little short on midfield options for the current campaign. The likes of Trey Nyoni and James McConnell have been retained to bulk up the midfield options.

But there’s no doubt that Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai need some recruitment in and around them in the upcoming transfer windows.

Liverpool plot move for Alex Scott

January could be pivotal in that regard - with Iraola said to be keen on adding a £100m England midfielder to the ranks. The player in question is Alex Scott - Bournemouth’s dynamic playmaker - whose contract expires in 2028.

The Cherries are thought to be open to the idea of letting the midfielder go in January should they be unable to come to terms over a new deal. Bournemouth will hold out for nine figures for Scott - with Liverpool, Chelsea and others all thought to retain an interest.

Alex Scott will cost £100m

Liverpool will be hoping that Iraola’s prior existing relationship with Scott puts them at the head of the queue for Scott. That’s according to a report in TEAMtalk - which claims Scott is a major Liverpool target heading into January.

“Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is hugely keen for Liverpool to bring him to Anfield,” the report reads.

“Any potential deal would need to value the midfielder at at least £100million to persuade Bournemouth to consider a sale.”

Bournemouth want to tie Scott down to new contract

Nonetheless Bournemouth are determined to tie Scott down to a bumper new contract if they can get a deal over the line.

The TEAMtalk report states that owner Bill Foley has sanctioned talks for a new contract - and is willing to break the bank to extend his prized asset.

Liverpool will be watching closely as Scott - who is currently out injured - makes his mind up over his next step.