Tottenham step up interest in £25m Bristol City star - Leicester, Wolves, Everton also keen

Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in Bristol City teenage sensation Alex Scott by reportedly sending scouts to watch him.

The Robins were able to keep hold of the 19-year-old, despite there being bids from clubs tabled for him during the January transfer window. Leicester City and Wolves joined the race last month, and both clubs are said to have had a strong interest in the Guernsey-born midfielder. A rumoured price tag of £25m is what put the Midlands clubs off from making a bid, but things could change in the summer.

Both clubs however might have to contend with an offer from Spurs, who could potentially offer Scott the chance of playing in the Premier League, and also on the European stage. They had been one of the clubs that held an early interest, and now they are making more of an effort in their pursuit of the England Under-20's midfielder.

A report from Football Insider claims that the North London club sent a 'senior' scout to watch him in action, as he featured in the 1-0 win over Norwich City. He played 81 minutes before he made way for captain Andreas Weimann. He played in a midfield three along with Joe Williams and Matty James, and despite not getting a goal involvement, still had moments of brilliance, that were admired by those in attendance.

The report adds that Spurs will want a deal in place for Scott well before the summer, given the demand in the youngster. They are said to have been watching him for some time and that the scouts have delivered 'rave reviews' about his 'huge' promise. He has earned the nickname 'Guernsey Grealish' and will be given the opportunity to showcase his worth against Jack Grealish and his Manchester City teammates at the end of the month.

Scott has featured in every Championship game for City this season that he has been available for, and has only missed one match, which was through suspension. He has made 35 appearances in the current campaign, setting up five goals, and scoring one goal, that came in the 3-0 win over West Brom. Scott is just four games shy of his involvement for City last season, and has already matched his goal contributions from last year, with fewer goals but more assists.

Steve Lansdown, owner of Bristol City, revealed to BBC Radio Guernsey last month that the club were preparing to offer Scott a new deal. He is under contract with the West Country side until the summer of 2025, but an extension could mean that they can ask for an even higher fee, which would help make for a stronger negotiating position.

Last week, first-team manager Nigel Pearson sent a warning to Everton, Spurs, Wolves, Leicester, Leeds United and Brighton about the rumoured pursuit of Scott.

He said: "You’ve got to remember that he’s got a contract here for a couple more years yet, for there to be any further speculation about his future, there’s got to be something real happen. “He’s our player at the moment.”