Blog

Nigel Pearson has denied that Wolves made an offer for midfielder Alex Scott and insists that just an offer of more than £25m would be enough to lure him away from Bristol City.

Reports in the Telegraph on Thursday suggest the Premier League side were set to renew their interest in the 19-year-old midfielder with a £20m offer after being put off by City’s £25m price tag. in january. West Ham and Tottenham are two other clubs who are big fans, although it is believed that there are up to half a dozen top-tier clubs monitoring their situation.

Scott was back in brilliant form in City’s comfortable 2-0 win over Blackpool in front of the Sky Sports cameras and scored his first league goal of the campaign when he put the game out of doubt in the second half. Harry Cornick’s low cross deflected his way and the midfielder left the goalkeeper with little chance, firing into the bottom corner.

Pearson was under no illusions that the club will have to consider offers for the talent over the summer, but he was clear in his stance that any interest is limited to reports and speculation, for now. Speaking after the game, he said: “The offers that no one has heard of? The reports that come from reporters and agents? We haven’t had any offers for players, so there you have it.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if clubs are interested in him, but there have been no offers. Whoever makes a proper offer at some point, it’s going to have to be a really big offer to get him.”

“He has to be over £25m, he shouldn’t go for less than that. Since he made his debut he’s played over 80 games for us. Some people talk about playing in a second season, you can get a drop.” but I don’t think we’ve seen that at all.

“I don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about it, I’m aware of the speculation, but that’s about it. I have no doubt that we will have to deal with the offers this summer, I think that will happen.” But it’s speculation at the moment, it’s not from club to club.”

Scott has often been the source of speculation since his breakout campaign last season and his most recent performance in the loss against Manchester City further highlighted his ability and potential. His performance received high praise from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jack Grealish and Roy Keane, but it is to his credit that he has remained level-headed despite the admiration.

The ball remains in the Robins’ court with Scott’s future. The amount of interest on his signing means they can raise the price while also having the added security of his contract expiring in the summer of 2025.

Pearson added: “He’s managed to continue his development with a fairly consistent upward curve over the two years he’s played here now. I think that says a lot about his ability and potential too.”

“It’s hard for a youngster not to have an interest in that (the speculation) he will play for a top team, I have absolutely no doubt about that. He will have really important things.”

“He’s been frustrated not scoring goals, but he’s a very good player and he’s only going to get better. I thought he was excellent today, really good.”

“It’s good for him to get his goal. As for the speculation about other clubs, I’m not really interested.”

SIGN UP: to receive our daily Robins newsletter, featuring the latest from Ashton Gate

READ NEXT