West Ham step up efforts for Bristol City’s big-money transfer target

West Ham United have stepped up their efforts to sign Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott as they get a closer look at the man in demand.

The Daily Mail report that the Hammers were one of several clubs watching over Scott, during England U20's camp out in Marbella, Spain, where he played France's U20's. He could be considered as a potential replacement for England international Declan Rice, with Manchester United reportedly lodging a £100m offer for him last summer, with Arsenal also said to be interested.

Scott sustained a knee ligament injury in the match, and was subbed off in the last ten minutes. He missed the 1-1 draw with Reading last weekend, and is unsure when he will return to action. Nigel Pearson did not put a time frame on his return, but could provide an update in his pre-match press conference, ahead of their trip to Stoke City this Good Friday.

Any move to the London Stadium would hinge on whether David Moyes' side preserve their top-flight status this season. They are currently 14th in the Premier League, but are just a point above the drop zone but they do have a game in hand. It is understood that Scott's stance is that he is keen to play for a top-flight team where he will play regularly. Several players such as Djed Spence in recent years have made big moves, but not had much pitch time.

Wolves are said to still hold an interest, and it was reported by the national media a bid had been made by the Midlands club, but that was dismissed. More than a dozen Premier League clubs are said to be interested, with Newcastle United reportedly open to loaning Scott back for a season.

"He has to be more than £25m, he shouldn't go for less than that," said Pearson in mid-March. "Since he made his debut, he's played 80 games for us. Some people talk about playing in a second season you can get a drop-off but I don't think we have seen that at all.

"There's no doubt in my mind we'll have to deal with bids this summer, I think that will happen. But it's speculation at the minute, it's not club-to-club."