Liverpool plot move for Man Utd target to become first signing of Andoni Iraola era

Liverpool are weighing up a move for Bournemouth star Alex Scott who is also on Manchester United’s list of summer transfer targets.

A new era has begun at Anfield with the club confirming the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on Thursday.

The Spaniard arrives on Merseyside after a fantastic spell in charge of Bournemouth, culminating in European qualification for the Cherries.

Scott was a big part of that success, starting 34 matches last season as he emerged as one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.

The 22-year-old is among the names on United’s list of targets as they seek to rebuild their midfield this summer. Inquiries into the cost of a deal have been made with United looking to sign at least two midfielders – three if Manuel Ugarte leaves the club.

But The Sun report Liverpool are also interested in signing the England Under-21 international.

Scott thrived under Iraola last season and is also well-known to Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed him for Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023 when he led recruitment at the Vitality Stadium.

Scott, while not selected for the final squad, is with the England group for World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica and could make his senior debut on Saturday against the former.

He was quizzed on Iraola’s appointment at Liverpool, believing there are big similarities to how he and Jurgen Klopp want their teams to play.

‘He is obviously a great manager; you see what we have done as a club at Bournemouth and how we have progressed over the three seasons he was with us,’ Scott said.

‘I think the way we press out of possession is very aggressive, maybe similar to the early Klopp teams Liverpool had, that fierce aggressiveness and pressing with the wingers. I would say he is similar to that.

‘Liverpool fans should definitely be so excited.’

Liverpool have made wide areas a priority this summer with moves for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain being explored.