Bristol City boss sends firm transfer message to West Ham, Wolves, Spurs and Inter Milan

Nigel Pearson has revealed that he expects Alex Scott to remain at Bristol City next season, despite both Premier League and foreign interest in the Englishman.

Scott has long been linked with a move away from BS3, with the likes of West Ham, Tottenham, Liverpool, Wolves and most recently Inter Milan all reportedly keeping a close eye on the talented midfielder, who has two years left on his current deal.

The 19-year-old picked up the EFL Championship Young Player of the Year award for his stellar form for the Robins last campaign, and his manager has insisted that the club are in no rush to part ways with their star man.

“I expect him to be here, and he’ll be here... That’s how I approach the situation,” Pearson said. “When you’ve got players who are potentially on a club's wishlist, I think that’s a very positive thing for us. We’ve got good players and he won’t be the only one, we’ve got a number of players who I think would be attractive to many clubs.”

Though Scott managed just one league goal in 42 matches for City last term, his consistent performances and standout display against treble-winning Manchester City, as well as his frightening potential, make the teenager a worthy target for some of Europe’s top teams.

Scott’s manager conceded that the no. 7’s unique abilities will continue to lead to growing interest in him but stressed once more the Robins’ position of strength.

“I think there is always going to be speculation about somebody with his amount of talent, and we know a number of Premier League clubs have been monitoring him, so what?

“No one has put a bid in yet and in all honesty if they do, I’m a football manager, that’s up to the powers that be here to make that decision as to whether it’s an acceptable deal or not. Even then, I think our owners are very keen for us to try and keep our best players because if we have a successful season and get promoted, we’ve got a much better chance of keeping our best players.”

City’s ambitious play-off target soon petered out last season, but with the additions of Ross McCrorie, Rob Dickie and Haydon Roberts so far this summer, and a positive feeling around Ashton Gate, the team appear in good shape to make a stronger bid for the top seven next campaign - especially if they can hold on to their midfield maestro.

“You can’t ever rule anything in or out, and I don’t wake up every day thinking about things like that. For me, all I need to know is when something happens, apart from that, he’s our player, he’s here, and I’m looking forward to him playing for us again this season, simple as that.”