Liverpool are preparing for a significant January decision in midfield, with TeamTalk reporting that the club have mapped out alternative routes if Chelsea win the race for Bournemouth star Alex Scott. The picture emerging is one of methodical planning, with Andoni Iraola and Liverpool’s recruitment staff identifying both a priority target and credible back-up options before the window opens.

The headline name is Scott, described as Iraola’s preferred addition as Liverpool seek to strengthen the middle of the pitch. According to the report, Liverpool are “increasingly likely to dip their toes into the January transfer window” to improve the manager’s midfield options. That wording matters. It suggests a targeted move rather than a wide-ranging search, and it points to a specific area of concern within the squad.

Scott’s situation at Bournemouth has clearly sharpened interest. He “has now been cleared to leave Bournemouth in the January window” after rejecting a fresh contract offer, one that reportedly would have made him the club’s top earner on £150,000 a week. Bournemouth remain firm on value, though, and that is where the story becomes more complicated for Liverpool.

Scott is understood to be valued in the £100m bracket, a figure Bournemouth believe reflects his age, profile and market context. As TeamTalk put it, the Cherries “are still driving a hard price over his sale” and “are understood to rate the twice-capped star in the £100m bracket”. For Liverpool, that is a major outlay for a player who is admired, but one who would still represent another sizeable commitment in a market where Premier League clubs regularly inflate each other’s valuations.

There is also serious competition. The report says it has “teed up what looks like a straight battle between Liverpool and Chelsea for Scott”. If that proves accurate, Liverpool would be entering a familiar kind of negotiation, one where timing, structure of payment and player preference can all be decisive. Chelsea’s continued aggression in the market means no deal of this size tends to be straightforward when they are involved.

From Liverpool’s perspective, Scott makes obvious sense. He knows the Premier League, he is still developing, and there is a clear tactical connection with Iraola after their previous work together. TeamTalk state that “Scott, understandably, is seen as the ideal by Liverpool and Iraola” and that he is viewed as “the sensible option to strengthen their midfield”, even if the fee is exceptionally high.

If Scott proves unattainable, Liverpool are not waiting to think on their feet. The report says the club “have also placed Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara and Roma’s Manu Kone on their shortlist”, with regular checks being carried out on both players. In practical terms, that points to groundwork already being done by the recruitment department, allowing Liverpool to move quickly if the top target slips away.

Camara appears to be the more cost-effective option. He is valued by Monaco at around £47m, significantly below the numbers attached to Scott. The 22-year-old is described as having “relentless energy, technical ability and passing range”, attributes that would naturally appeal to a Liverpool side wanting more intensity and mobility in central areas. He is also at an age where development potential and future value remain important factors.