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Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is a “dead cert” to join Chelsea either in January or at the end of the season, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Phillips said that manager Xabi Alonso and members of the first team have been talking to the midfielder, and Scott is “very keen” on making the switch to Stamford Bridge:

“Alonso really wants to sign him, and Alonso and the players have been speaking to Alex Scott, quite a few of the players. Alex Scott gets on well with a good handful of Chelsea’s players already, so they have also been speaking.”

“I know that in the summer when Chelsea sent the offers in, they also spoke to Scott’s agent, and they have been in regular contact with Scott’s agent, and they still are, I have reported that all along. And they have basically provisionally confirmed any personal terms with Scott already in the summer, so that would not be an issue.”

“Scott is more than happy with what Chelsea offered him, and he would take it. And, from what I understand, he’s very keen on moving to Chelsea. And now the important bit, it’s not done until it’s done. So, we have still got to agree a fee with Bournemouth, we have still got to hope that no other club comes in, and perhaps turns his head. I don’t think that will happen, I really don’t.”

“I think he’s dead cert on joining Chelsea, I really do, but it’s important for me to state that it’s not done until it’s done, and anything can happen until we see him holding that Chelsea shirt up or a club announces it or a player announces it, as it often happens these days.”

Will Chelsea face any competition for the player?

Liverpool have been mentioned as Scott’s other main suitor. Their head coach, Andoni Iraola, worked with him at Bournemouth, so the Spaniard could potentially be a draw for the player.

However, based on Phillips’ remarks, it seems as if Chelsea are very confident that he won’t make a U-turn and join another team, with the Blues having already put all the groundwork in, including the framework of a contract.

How much will Scott cost?

Phillips has confirmed claims from various other sources that Bournemouth are holding out for £100m, which is a very steep asking price.

Even so, after having had several bids turned down for Scott during the summer transfer window, it appears as if Alonso’s side are willing to match the current valuation.

That would mean that the bulk of the £125m received from the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City will be used to bring in his replacement.