Chelsea remain the frontrunners to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and it’s understood that a January switch is firmly on the cards.

Xabi Alonso’s side saw multiple bids rejected by Bournemouth over the summer, but they remain eager to finalise a deal and they are expected to return to the negotiating table with a fresh offer when the winter transfer window opens.

Bournemouth were initially reluctant to sanction a mid-season sale, however they have relaxed their stance following lengthy talks with Scott’s representatives and it has been widely reported that a deal could take place if their asking price of over €100 million is met.

The England international is regarded as Chelsea’s primary transfer target for the January window and they are prepared to match Bournemouth’s demands in order to finalise a transfer amid strong competition from fellow Premier League giants Liverpool.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea are keen to reach an agreement with Marco Rose’s side, while Blues journalist Simon Phillips has now hinted that a deal is highly likely to take place.

It’s reported that Scott wants to join Chelsea next year and a move to Stamford Bridge is now regarded as “inevitable”, with the west London giants ready to intensify talks over a deal in the coming weeks.

But, how will the 23-year-old fit in under Alonso?

How Chelsea will line up with Alex Scott

Chelsea’s season is back on track after back-to-back wins over Bournemouth and Everton, and their upturn in form has unsurprisingly coincided with Moises Caicedo’s return to fitness following a calf injury.

The Ecuador international is arguably Chelsea’s most important player, and Jordan Henderson has filled in admirably alongside him in midfield since the international break. However, it’s clear that Scott would be a vast improvement on his compatriot.

Scott is composed in possession, aggressive without the ball and his close control would help Chelsea break down deep blocks, which has often been their undoing in recent years. He also looks ideally suited to playing alongside Caicedo, with the pair’s skillsets likely to complement each other nicely.

As a result, Scott would seamlessly slot in alongside Caicedo in Chelsea’s preferred midfield double pivot if they can finalise a transfer agreement with Bournemouth.

In regards to the remainder of the starting XI, Emiliano Martinez would retain his place in between the sticks, while Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill appear to have established themselves as Alonso’s favoured back three.

Pedro Neto is a nailed-on starter on the right, while Jorrel Hato may just edge out Pep Chavarria on the opposite flank.

In attack, it will continue to be arguably the best front three in the Premier League: Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

Chelsea starting XI with Alex Scott

GK: Emiliano Martinez

RCB: Josh Acheampong

CB: Maxence Lacroix

LCB: Levi Colwill

RWB: Pedro Neto

CM: Moises Caicedo

CM: Alex Scott

LWB: Jorrel Hato

CAM: Cole Palmer

CAM: Morgan Rogers

ST: Joao Pedro