Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson insists he ‘wouldn’t accept £12 million’ as Alex Scott attracts Premier League interest from Leeds United, Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, speaking to the Bristol Post.
There’s shades of Jack Grealish in the way Scott glides around the pitch; an ethereal elegance to those shimmying shoulders, and the turn of pace to match.
Robins fans have seen some rather thrilling young talent pass through Ashton Gate in recent years but 19-year-old Scott could prove to be the pinnacle. The best of an already impressive lot.
According to CBS Sports, Leeds, Wolves, AFC Bournemouth and Leicester City are tracking the so-called ‘Guernsey Grealish’. So too Brighton and Hove Albion; a club who’s possession-heavy style and remarkable track record for talent development should suit Scott’s own needs down to the ground.
Tottenham, Leeds, Wolves and Leicester like Alex Scott of Bristol City
“There are a lot of stories out there and a lot of speculation,” Pearson says. “And without adding fuel to speculation, we are aware there is at the moment quite a bit of interest in some of our younger players.
“As it stands, at the minute, we have not received anything (bids) for them.”
Scott, who has five assists in the Championship this season, is under contract until 2025. As such, it would take an offer well into eight-figures for Pearson to cash in. Whether the Bristol City bosses agree with the former Derby boss’ hardline stance, however, only time will tell.
“I wouldn’t accept £12m,” Pearson adds. “But I don’t know what figure the club are thinking of. At this point I can’t really add to the speculation, but most of it will be driven by agents and representatives. It’s just how it is.”
Tottenham Hotspur, reporter Alisdair Gold adds, have scouted Scott extensively in recent months. Then again, he only needs to look at another Championship import – the seldom-seen Djed Spence, not to mention one Jack Clarke – to realise that the grass in North London is not always evergreen.
“If we get offers that the club feel are reasonable, acceptable and they help the longer term, then the club will accept it,” Pearson explains.
“We want to keep our best players. But we don’t want players who aren’t keen on staying here either.”
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