Bournemouth owner Bill Foley breaks silence on Alex Scott future amid Chelsea and Liverpool interest

Bournemouth owner Bill Foley insists the club will continue trying to convince Alex Scott to sign a new contract despite interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.

The 23-year-old midfielder rejected fresh terms during the summer, while Bournemouth turned down a £64million bid from Chelsea in July.

Scott remains under contract until June 2028, but his reluctance to commit to a new agreement has raised questions about his long-term future.

However, Foley believes Bournemouth can persuade him to stay by offering competitive wages and demonstrating the club's growing ambitions.

Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of Bournemouth's Europa League clash with AC Milan, Foley made clear that the club have not abandoned hopes of securing Scott's future.

"At this point, we're convinced we're the right place for Alex to be and to stay, and we'll keep on addressing the contract issues with Alex as we move through this year," Foley said.

"We'd love to have Alex stay here and sign a new contract and be part of this team for the long haul."

Foley acknowledged that interest from established Premier League clubs can influence young players' decisions.

"We haven't given up, but sometimes players get stars in their eyes, and they think that Chelsea or Manchester City is the right place to go."

Despite those concerns, Bournemouth remain determined to demonstrate that Scott can achieve his ambitions on the south coast.

Foley believes Bournemouth must become more competitive financially to retain their leading players.

The American owner suggested that six-figure weekly salaries should become increasingly realistic for the club as they continue developing.

"I think earning that kind of number should be commonplace, and we should be prepared to meet that challenge," he said.

Bournemouth have also invested in their infrastructure, including a new performance centre, as part of their long-term development.

Foley believes those improvements, alongside progress on the pitch, can help change the perception that talented young players must eventually move elsewhere to fulfil their ambitions.

"We have to prove to the players this is a place they want to be and that they want to stay," he added.

Chelsea made a £64m bid for Scott during the summer transfer window, but Bournemouth rejected the approach and maintained that the midfielder was not for sale.

Sky Sports reported in July that Scott had turned down several contract proposals after discussions began towards the end of last season.

Chelsea remain linked with the midfielder, while Liverpool have also been credited with interest.

However, no new formal offer or agreement with another club has been confirmed.

Scott's existing contract runs until June 2028, giving Bournemouth time to continue negotiations.

Foley's latest comments suggest the club intend to use that time to persuade the midfielder that he can achieve his ambitions without leaving the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth face AC Milan in the Europa League as Foley continues to outline the club's ambitions on and off the pitch.

Contract discussions with Scott are expected to continue throughout the season, although no agreement or deadline has been announced.

Chelsea and Liverpool may continue monitoring developments, but Bournemouth remain focused on keeping the midfielder rather than negotiating his departure.