Chelsea and Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their potential bids to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in the January transfer window. Scott was heavily linked with a Bournemouth exit during the summer window having dazzled under Andoni Iraola last season, coming close to earning a call-up for the England World Cup squad.

Scott was called up for the pre-tournament training camp in Florida but didn't quite make the cut. The 23-year-old was pivotal to the Cherries securing Europa League qualification last season, but having qualified for Europe, the South coast club were not willing to sell amid reported interest from Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool.

But the Cherries know they will not be able to hold on to Scott for much longer, and GIVEMESPORT understands that a January departure could now be on the cards. It's understood Bournemouth have opened the door to a January sale, and while a mid-season departure is not guaranteed, the right offer, which would be £100million or perhaps a little more, could lead to a sale.

Bournemouth will more than likely demand a huge fee having seen Elliot Anderson go for £116million during the summer window, and with English talent typically carrying an inflated value. How the Cherries get on between now and January could be key, and as long as they are in a good position to secure Premier League safety, they will not discount their big asking price.

Alex Scott's Premier League stats last season

• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 1
• Pass success: 84.9%
• Tackles: 1.6 per game
• Interceptions: 1 per game
• Clearances: 2.2 per game

Chelsea made multiple offers for Scott during the summer transfer window, but to no avail, and they remain interested ahead of January, while Liverpool will also be well-positioned if they decide to make a move.

The Reds are also considering Lamine Camara and Manu Kone as midfield targets ahead of January or the summer, but Scott could well come under serious consideration now that he appears to be available.

Scott 'one of the best' defensively

Speaking at the end of last season, when Scott was called up for the England World Cup training squad, then Bournemouth boss Iraola said: “He is more than good enough to be there. I think he has been phenomenal this season, the whole season. I think in a defender role, trying to help the ones in the squad, I think he will be a great help for England.

"His attitude has always been top. If they need him or something happens, he will be ready. Defensively I think he is one of the best.”