Bristol City boss reaffirms £25m Alex Scott position and gives injury update

Nigel Pearson has reasserted that Alex Scott will not be sold until Bristol City’s valuation is met, amid speculation following his absence from Saturday’s draw against Preston North End.

Scott wasn’t involved in the 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate, which left many fans worried that a move away may be imminent. However, after the match Pearson cleared up the rumours.

“If he’s not on the team sheet people automatically make assumptions and it’s not that,” he said. “He’s been injured this week and hopefully we will get him back for next week.

“Outside of that, I can’t really comment on how things will develop, because it’s not my area of concern. Mine is to make sure the squad is fit and healthy.”

Premier League pair Bournemouth and Wolves are the two clubs reportedly serious about securing Scott’s signature before the transfer window closes.

But, thus far City have held firm on their £25million valuation, and that figure remains the benchmark.

Pearson continued: “The whole idea of valuing a player is to say that is what we value him at. We have as a club, and I think that’s important, that we try and protect our assets.

“We’ve gone through a difficult period where we’ve been in a position to do business and reduce the wage bill by letting players go and we’ve worked hard collectively to get where we are now.”

Despite Scott’s current injury and the Robins’ determination to keep their most prized possession, the manager, perhaps wisely, refused to rule out that the teenager could depart BS3 this summer.

“I’m not saying a move won’t happen, what I’m saying is that it’s got to be done on the terms that will suit us as a football club,” he said.

“Ultimately, we’re trying to achieve success, and we’ve got a better chance of doing that if we keep our best players. It’s been a difficult period for Alex to block out that background noise, he must get sick or asked about it.”