Liverpool's budget Alex Scott alternative revealed

Liverpool are beginning to action their transfer plans for the winter window.

The Reds' start to the season has been hit and miss, and there are a few clear positions that could use with being strengthened in January.

Undoubtedly the most pressing issue is the midfield, which has been central to the discourse around Andoni Iraola's start in the Anfield dugout.

January represents the perfect opportunity for the hierarchy at Liverpool to back their new manager and to provide the squad with the reinforcements they so clearly need.

Alex Scott has been the most mentioned name when assessing Julian Ward's potential options, but the club may now have a cheaper alternative.

Liverpool Alex Scott alternative revealed

Scott's pre-existing relationship with Iraola is one of the key reasons the 23-year-old has been so heavily linked with a Merseyside move.

Bournemouth are reluctant to let the player leave mid-season, but the fact the twice-capped England international is refusing to sign a new deal has led the Cherries to admit they would consider bids in the region of £100 million.

Chelsea are also heavily interested in Scott, having had multiple bids rejected in the summer, and the race to secure the midfielder's services could become very expensive.

Now, according to a report from Ekrem Konur, the Reds have identified Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha as a cheaper alternative to Scott should they miss out to Chelsea.

Nmecha has been linked with the Reds frequently as it has become clear that they need a fresh face in the midfield, but the German being identified as a direct alternative is new.

Manu Kone and Lamine Camara have also been linked as potential alternatives, and it can be difficult to distinguish whether the Reds have moved on from Scott or whether they are just doing their due diligence ahead of a potential bidding war with Chelsea.

Nmecha represents an interesting alternative to Scott, and the Anfield recruitment team will be keeping a close eye on the German ahead of the winter window.