West Ham are the latest Premier League club to register their interest in Bristol City's highly-prized asset Alex Scott, according to reports.
The 19-year-old's rapidly growing reputation flourished once again on Tuesday night after Pep Guardiola singled out the midfielder following Bristol City's 3-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. The Spaniard called him an "unbelievable player" after Scott showcased his ability up against the world's best.
Those associated with Bristol City are already well aware of Scott's potential to play at the very top. Nigel Pearson has often reiterated his prediction that he will go on to play for England one day in the future.
However, in front of the national media, those who haven't watched Scott on a regular basis stood up and took notice. Interest in his signature continues to grow and there's an inevitability that City will unlikely be able to keep hold of the player by the beginning of next season.
Just days after Newcastle were linked with Scott, with reports they would be willing to loan him back to City next season, the Mail claim West Ham are also 'keen' on signing him. In truth, there are at least a dozen top-flight clubs monitoring his situation.
While a bidding war could very much be a possibility in the summer, City can stand firm over his future. Scott's contract expires in 2025 and the club can therefore take control of matters by setting their transfer fee.
In January, Wolves were looking into Scott's availability but were put off by City's £25million valuation. They could rue their missed opportunity because his consistent levels of performance on the pitch and maturity off it means that figure may rise come the summer.
His teammates have likened him to Steven Gerrard and Jack Grealish, and despite the hype, Scott's feet are firmly on the floor with ambitions to drive Bristol City towards the play-offs. He has a new contract on the table but it's a case of more hope than expectation that he extends his stay in BS3.
ITV pundit and former Manchester United player Roy Keane claimed his game against Manchester City would have put him in the shop window - and it was an audition he passed with flying colours. He said: "This is a great opportunity for him, he is almost in the shop window tonight.
"I have seen him play a lot of times and he is a top footballer. We highlighted him before the game, and you can see that he has a Jack Grealish about his play. He has been brilliant to watch."
What was equally as impressive was that he wasn't overwhelmed by the occasion of taking on the Premier League champions. Scott has modelled his game on Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish and with the weight of expectation, he was brave in his play, gliding past both Kalvin Phillips and Rico Lewis in his No10 role.
His potential is enormous and it won't be long before he's showcasing his talent against the Premier League elite on a regular occurrence.
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