Wolves have baulked at Bristol City's £25million asking price for Alex Scott as the Premier League side open talks over a potential deal, according to reports.
Julen Lopetegui's side are just one of a dozen top-flight clubs interested in the 19-year-old midfielder as interest surrounding his future in BS3 continues to mount. Bristol Live understands Bournemouth are closely monitoring his situation while the likes of Leicester, Everton, Leeds and Tottenham have also been previously linked.
According to the Telegraph, Wolves are "very keen" to sign the talent this month but a move is looking unlikely due to the £25m price-tag. It adds they will move on to other targets unless City drop their valuation, which seems unlikely.
The ball remains in the Robins' court with Scott's future. The amount of interest in his signature means they can drive up the price while they also have the added security of his contract which expires in the summer of 2025.
Nigel Pearson confirmed earlier this month that there is significant interest in both Scott and striker Antoine Semenyo but they have received no offers. The manager also questioned claims that the England Under-20 international was available for £12m following a report from CBS Sports.
City can look at other Championship youngsters who have moved to the top flight in recent windows which also allows them to stand firm in their valuation. Keane Lewis-Potter, 21, was sold by Hull City last summer to Brentford for an initial £16m potentially rising to £20m while Nathan Collins, 21, left Burnley for Wolves in a £20.5m deal.
Speaking on the interest in Scott, Pearson said last week: "I wouldn’t accept £12m, 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.
"There are a lot of stories out there and a lot of speculation 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 for them.”
Before Christmas, Pearson said they wouldn't necessarily have to sell either Scott or Semenyo to conduct transfer business of their own. Although there is an acceptance that City will need to cash in at some point to help balance the financial books and fall in line with Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Selling Scott this month would also prove a significant risk to City's Championship status given they sit three points above the drop zone. A key figure in the side, there will be an understandable reluctance to let one of the star players leave especially with midfield options few and far between.
With Han-Noah Massengo out of Pearson's first-team plans, that leaves Matty James, Joe Williams and Andy King as the only experienced midfielders while youngster Dylan Kadji is attempting to break through into the senior squad.
Pearson is after an attacking midfielder this month but missed out on a deal to sign Reda Khadra after the 21-year-old opted to join Birmingham City on loan.
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