Newcastle United are reportedly set to rival Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Bristol City youngster Alex Scott.
According to The Sun, Premier League top-four hopefuls Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur could battle it out for the signature of promising teenage Championship midfield star Alex Scott.
Regarded by many as one of the best young English talents at the moment, the 19-year-old is the hottest property in the Bristol City squad after quickly adapting to life in the Championship following his move from Guernsey in 2020. The attacking midfielder has been in impressive form since bursting onto the scene and making his debut in April 2021.
He enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign in the Championship, with four goals and two assists in 36 league appearances during the 2021/22 season. The England Under-19 international has become a key player in Nigel Pearson’s side this season, having started all but one game in the league for Bristol so far this season, grabbing five assists along the way.
Guernsey-born Scott still has over two years left on his deal with Bristol City. But his rise to first-team regular has supposedly alerted clubs in the top flight. Needless to say, he was the subject of a flurry of transfer interest during the January transfer window, with Bournemouth, Leicester City, Wolves, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Leeds United all linked at various times.
Tottenham Hotspur have recently been sending scouts to keep tabs on Scott. And now cash-rich Newcastle United have also joined the race and are considering a summer swoop for the Bristol City youngster, who could cost them as much as £20 million.
The only way Spurs would be interested in Scott is if they intend to sign him and then loan him out to Bristol City or a bottom-half Premier League side to gain more experience. Antonio Conte is naturally reluctant to trust young players who have not proven themselves at the highest level; just take the recent example of Djed Spence.
It also makes sense if Tottenham end up parting ways with Conte at the end of the season. In that case, Scott is definitely worth the gamble and will be one for the future under the new manager.
Having said that, working with a young, progressive manager like Newcastle’s Eddie Howe could help the midfielder improve considerably. An extra midfielder could be of use to Newcastle, especially one with the creativity of Scott following the departure of veteran Jonjo Shelvey this past January.
Dubbed “The Guernsey Grealish,” the versatile midfielder — who can play deeper or closer to the striker — has excellent ball-playing ability, quick feet, and the potential to quickly turn defence into attack, meaning he would suit Eddie Howe’s high-intensity transitional football at St. James’ Park.
