Liverpool send scouts to watch target viewed as cut-price Bellingham alternative

10 April 2023 , 21:59

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Liverpool send scouts to watch target viewed as cut-price Bellingham alternative

Liverpool look set for a significant overhaul of their midfield this summer, with manager Jurgen Klopp admitting last month they "need players".

The likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out of contract at the end of the season and they could all leave for free, with Klopp stating: "We need players, we cannot go with only three midfielders into a season. We count on them [teenagers Harvey Elliot and Stefan Bajcetic] but that does not mean we will not have a look in the summer.

"The challenge for us with the changes we have made now or over the next few years we have always replaced a sensational player or formation, because the boys are just that good. That is how it is but that doesn't mean we don't have to make changes."

Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, with the teenager seen as central to Klopp's rebuilding plans. However, they are set to face stiff competition from a host of other clubs with Bellingham one of the most sought-after players in world football.

And Liverpool do have a number of other midfielders on their radar, including Bristol City youngster Alex Scott. The 19-year-old has been a regular starter in the Championship for the last two years and has attracted interest from a number of Premier League sides.

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The Daily Mail are reporting that Liverpool's head of recruitment Dave Fallows and chief scout Barry Hunter both attended England Under 20s 2-0 win over Germany last month to watch Scott in action.

Alex Scott has starred for Bristol City since breaking into the side (Getty Images)

The teenager has excelled in the heart of Bristol City's midfield and earned praise from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Roy Keane and Jack Grealish following the Robins' 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup.

Guardiola called Scott an "unbelievable player", while Grealish said he was a "top, top talent." Keane, meanwhile, compared him to Grealish, telling ITV : "I have seen him play a lot of times and he is a top footballer.

"You can see that he has a Jack Grealish about his play. He has been brilliant to watch."

Matthew Cooper