West Ham are reportedly scouting Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott as they aim to identify a replacement for Declan Rice.
The Mail report how David Moyes' side are among the growing list of potential suitors for Scott's signature with a host of top flight clubs keeping a close eye on the 19-year-old. West Ham will look to sign at least one new midfielder this summer with Rice likely to leave.
The article claims scouts have watched Scott multiple times including in the most recent internationals. Scott featured three times for England Under-20s over the break, starting in games against Germany and France. PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare and Manchester City teenage talent Carlos Borges are also considered options.
West Ham's Head of Recruitment is former City defender Rob Newman who is often at Ashton Gate casting an eye on the club's wealth of talent. The Hammers won't be short of cash following Rice's sale, with a figure quoted to fetch around £100million.
Due to their different styles of play, Scott is unlikely to be identified as a direct like-for-like replacement for his English counterpart. Rice predominantly sits deeper in midfield, occupying that space in front of the defensive lines although is given the freedom to roam forward when required.
Scott can play anywhere in the midfield although has featured in the No10 role for the majority of the season. They both have that quality to drive forward with the ball and get their teams up the pitch.
They'll have plenty of competition should they make a move with at least half a dozen Premier League clubs having an interest. Newcastle, Everton, Leicester, Wolves and Tottenham have all been linked in recent months.
City are under no illusions that Scott could leave this summer with manager Nigel Pearson claiming last month that his transfer fee "has to be more than £25m." That came in the wake of Wolves' interest who were reportedly hopeful of signing him in January in a £20m deal.
The City manager rebuffed those claims, insisting they haven't received any offers and the transfer talk is driven by reporters and agents. He said: "It wouldn't surprise me that clubs are interested in him but there have been no bids. Whoever makes a proper bid at some point, will have to be a really big bid to get him. He has to be more than £25m, he shouldn't go for less than that."
Scott's stock has continued to rise throughout the campaign with a string of consistent and mature performances. Following the FA Cup exit against Manchester City, both Pep Guardiola and Jack Grealish praised the talent while Roy Keane and Ian Wright were complimentary during ITV's live coverage.
With a contract until 2025, City remain calm over his immediate future and the ongoing speculation can play into their hands as it naturally drives up his value. That was evident in January with Wolves baulking at the £25m asking price as manager Julen Lopetegui secured deals for Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina instead.
Scott handed City an injury scare during the international break when he limped off in the 83rd minute of England's final fixture. Scans confirmed minor knee ligament damage, ruling him out of action for up to 10 days.
That means he is likely to miss the trip to Stoke on Good Friday but could return to face Middlesbrough on Monday.
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