“So it begins.” As King Theodon solemnly declares in a downpour prior to the Battle at Helm’s Deep, the Bristol City hierarchy hunkered down at the High Performance Centre on the rainswept fields of Failand may be uttering similar words, with the bidding finally commencing for Alex Scott.
After weeks of endless speculation, talk of “interest”, “front-runners” and “preparing bids”, Bournemouth have made the first clear move with an unsuccessful £15million plus add-ons offer that indicates two things: City look to be staying true to their word regarding the midfielder’s valuation, and it’s evidently a lowball offer that almost certainly won’t be the Cherries’ last.
To address the first part, yes, Nigel Pearson and Steve Lansdown have maintained what they believe to be the 19-year-old’s worth in the marketplace, but £15m guaranteed is still a considerable amount for a Championship club, something the Robins haven’t received since Adam Webster’s departure four years ago, before you consider what it could potentially rise to. But clearly it’s not enough, and from a City perspective, of course, that is pleasing.
