Wolves ‘number one’ £25m transfer target revealed after Bristol City talks

Wolves’ pursuit of Bristol City star Alex Scott is ‘on ice’ according to a report from the Daily Telegraph.

It is reported that Scott is their number one target this summer but that a move to Molineux for the time being is off the cards. The Premier League club have been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him this summer, making a few lowball offers for the 19-year-old.

The Robins are understood to value Scott at £25m, with it unsure whether that is an up-front fee of £25m, or if add-ons are included. Wolves’ second offer of £20m including add-ons was rejected, and now they have more hurdles to overcome if they are to sign the Guernsey Grealish.

Talks between Bristol City and Wolves have been described as ‘amicable’ and ‘professional’. Wolves had a belief that a deal ‘could be done’ but now the deal is on the rocks. Wolves have now been tasked with moving more players off of their books if they are to sign Scott and West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell.

It will be a true test of Wolves’ resolve if they are willing to sell even more players to land Scott. Ruben Neves, Connor Coady and Raul Jimenez have already been sold this summer, and Max Kilman could be the next player to depart the Midlands.

Julen Lopetegui has already expressed his ‘disappointment’ as to how Wolves transfer rules have changed. The 56-year-old was cautious about managing Wolves but was persuaded to take over last winter and was expecting some money to spend to implement his ideas on the team but is now having to deal with the club cutting their cloth accordingly to meet Financial Fair Play rules.

It is understood that Lopetegui does not believe that the current squad is good enough for the Premier League and Wolves need to make signings. He was accepting that the club may have to try and sign players from the Championship a few months ago but now that looks like another avenue that won’t be explored.

As for what it means for Scott and his future at Bristol City, he now looks likely to stay at Ashton Gate this summer. Wolves are the club who want him the most and aren’t said to be ‘miles off’ but signing him would likely be most of their business.

The Robins are well within their rights to charge £25m for Scott because he’s a highly-rated prospect, and is approaching 100 appearances for the club despite still being in his teenage years. He may not have the statistics to back up his obvious potential with only seven assists and six goals, but his style of play and the way he performed against Manchester City in the FA Cup is the reason why so many teams are interested in him.

AFC Bournemouth are the next club in line, and are said to have had an offer rejected, but right now they’re biding their time. The Cherries are mulling over a new bid, and if their summer transfer business is anything to go by then Scott certainly fits the bill.

Spurs and West Ham are also reported to have an interest, but Scott is not a priority target to them, and they are exploring other players. James Maddison has already joined Spurs from Leicester City this summer, whilst West Ham want Connor Gallagher from Chelsea and have had a bid for Joao Palhinha rejected.