AFC Bournemouth identify two alternatives to Alex Scott if he leaves

AFC Bournemouth have begun searching for potential alternatives for midfielder Alex Scott, amid expectations of his departure in January, with Chelsea leading the race to sign him, according to TEAMtalk.

Dutch players Kees Smit, from AZ Alkmaar, and Kenneth Taylor, from Lazio, are leading the candidates to replace Alex Scott, while the club is also monitoring Argentine talent Thomas Aranda from CA Boca Juniors.

Smit, who is 20 years old, is attracting the admiration of AFC Bournemouth officials, despite currently being absent due to a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Taylor has performed well at Lazio and has also drawn interest from Brighton.

Chelsea are ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Alex Scott, but completing the deal in January will require an offer exceeding £100 million.

AFC Bournemouth remain hopeful of keeping their 23-year-old player, with owner Bill Foley preparing a new contract offer that would make him the highest-paid in the club's history after the player rejected a previous record offer.