Newcastle submit enquiry to sign Scott

Newcastle United have made contact to sign Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: In pole position?

The Robins starlet has worked his way up through the academy ranks at Ashton Gate to become a regular feature of Nigel Pearson’s first-team squad where his performances have caught the eye of Eddie Howe in the Premier League.

The Daily Mirror reported in February that Magpies scouts are running background checks on the 19-year-old as they weigh up whether to make an offer in the upcoming window.

Football Insider have since claimed that the northeast outfit are currently in pole position to secure his services, though it sounds like they are set to face stiff competition from several other potential suitors.

The Latest: Newcastle make contact

According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves, Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Everton and Leicester have all ‘enquired’ about Scott’s availability.

Championship high-flyers Burnley, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough are also ‘considering’ him.

Inside sources believe that some of the interested clubs would be ‘willing’ to let him return to Bristol on a one-year loan to continue his development.

The Robins value their midfielder at £25m, but there’s ‘hope’ that a deal could be struck at closer to £30m given the number and calibre of teams chasing him.

The Verdict: One for the future

Scott has been nicknamed the ‘Guernsey Grealish’ and he would be an extremely promising signing for the future of Newcastle should he put pen to paper at St. James’ Park.

The Bristol ace has recorded five assists and two goals across all competitions so far this season and loves to help his side when it comes to making the magic happen in the final third (Transfermarkt).

Pearson’s maestro currently ranks in the 89th percentile for most progressive carries and the 84th percentile for most successful take-ons per 90 minutes (FBRef).

Scott would also bring versatility to the squad having operated in five various positions throughout his career, including as a second striker alongside in the centre.

Speaking in a recent interview, however, his boss sent a warning to suitors that he won’t come cheap so it sounds like PIF will need to dig deep should they want to prise him away. 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.”