Newcastle United is a club constantly surrounded by transfer rumors. In fact, so many names are linked to the Magpies that if someone tried to track them all, they could probably build their own complex database of global talent.
However, while most of these rumors fade away, a few specific players always seem to linger in the minds of the fans and the coaching staff. Often, these are the players who eventually line up against Newcastle and remind everyone exactly why they were targets in the first place.
This sense of “what might have been” was particularly strong during the recent clash with Manchester City. On that night, players like Rayan Cherki and Abdukodir Khusanov were instrumental in City’s performance.
Both had been heavily linked with a move to St. James’ Park before they eventually decided to join the reigning champions. Watching them dominate the pitch, along with goalkeeper James Trafford, it was hard for the Newcastle faithful not to imagine how much stronger their own squad would look if fate had taken a different turn.
However, the latest name to reignite this conversation isn’t a Manchester City star, but rather a young Englishman currently playing for Bournemouth. We are talking about Alex Scott the highly-rated midfielder, not the famous television presenter.
The 22-year-old was a standout performer when Newcastle faced the Cherries recently. He acted as the primary architect for almost everything positive Bournemouth did on the pitch, showcasing the vision and composure that first made him a household name at Bristol City.
Newcastle’s interest in Scott is not a new development. Back in 2023, the club was reportedly very close to making a move for him before he chose to head to the south coast.
For one reason or another, the deal didn’t cross the finish line back then. Since joining Bournemouth, Scott has rapidly proved that he belongs at the highest level of English football. Under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola, he has become a vital component of their midfield.
His recent “inspired” performance against the Magpies seems to have been the final straw, as reports from TEAMtalk suggest that Eddie Howe has placed the young midfielder back at the very top of his wish list.
Of course, landing a player of Scott’s caliber is never going to be an easy or uncontested task. His form has alerted almost all of the “Big Six” clubs. Manchester City and Manchester United are both said to be monitoring his situation closely, and Aston Villa is also reportedly looking to bring him into their ambitious project.
Tottenham Hotspur had been in the race for a long time, though their interest appears to have leveled off following their recent high-profile signing of Conor Gallagher.
Bournemouth is well aware of the treasure they have on their hands. The club is currently trying to tie Scott down to a new, improved contract to protect his market value. However, their position is somewhat vulnerable. There are growing whispers that their manager, Andoni Iraola, might be lured away by a bigger club at the end of the season. If the manager who helped Scott flourish leaves, it could open the door for the midfielder to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
While Newcastle fans might want to see a new face arrive immediately, it is much more likely that the club will wait until the summer transfer window to launch a formal bid. Alex Scott fits the “Eddie Howe profile” perfectly: he is young, hardworking, technically gifted, and possesses a very high ceiling for growth. He is exactly the kind of player who could help Newcastle transition into their next phase of development.
The club has shown in the past that they are willing to be patient to get the right person. After missing out on him once, the recruitment team will be desperate not to let him slip through their fingers a second time. If the opportunity arises this summer, expect the Magpies to be right at the front of the queue.
