AC Milan keep tabs on Alex Scott as Bournemouth midfielder's value rises

AC Milan want to strengthen their midfield and have made Alex Scott one of their main objectives. The 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder, capped by England, is highly regarded at San Siro even as his valuation continues to climb. The move will not be straightforward, but the Italian side remain committed to exploring a deal.

• AC Milan continue to pursue Alex Scott, the 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder.
• Bayern Munich have held fresh talks over Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel but have not made an offer.
• Porto have increased William Gomes' release clause to 100 million euros amid interest from Liverpool.
• Liverpool are also tracking Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, who could cost around £60 million.
• Chelsea retain an interest in Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara but will not meet the £59 million asking price.

Why AC Milan see Alex Scott as a midfield solution

Scott has established himself in the Premier League as a central midfielder with energy, composure and the ability to operate in different roles. That versatility is exactly what Milan are looking for as they plan their midfield for the coming seasons. The player remains under contract at Bournemouth and his performances have pushed his price up steadily, something the Italian club are well aware of.

His profile fits the strategy of signing young, developing talent that Milan have followed in recent windows. Despite growing competition from across Europe, the Rossoneri's recruitment team are keeping Scott's name on their shortlist and studying whether a deal with the south-coast club can be reached.

Bayern Munich and the race for JJ Gabriel

Bayern Munich have taken another step in their pursuit of JJ Gabriel, a 16-year-old attacking midfielder at Manchester United. The German champions have held new discussions with the player's camp, although they have not submitted a formal proposal. Those close to the situation in Germany sense the teenager is leaning towards a future in Spain.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are viewed as the frontrunners if the young talent ends up leaving United's academy. Bayern, meanwhile, continue to monitor the English market and a generation of promising youngsters attracting interest from the continent's biggest clubs, though no firm move has been made.

Porto protect William Gomes as Liverpool watch on

Porto do not want any surprises when it comes to William Gomes. The 20-year-old Brazilian winger has seen his release clause raised to 100 million euros, around £85 million, in a move designed to ward off suitors. Liverpool are among the clubs to have followed the forward closely, and that interest from the Premier League has prompted Porto to act.

The Portuguese side know their brightest talents tend to draw attention from Europe's elite and have moved to protect Gomes from a cut-price exit. The new clause makes any immediate approach far more difficult and underlines Porto's belief that the Brazilian is central to their project.

Kounde emerges as a Liverpool defensive target

Liverpool are not only thinking about their attack. The Reds also have Jules Kounde on their radar, with the Barcelona right-back emerging as a potential defensive addition. The France international appeals to Anfield and the Catalan club are open to offers in the region of £60 million. His ability to play at centre-back or full-back makes him an attractive option.

Barcelona, operating with financial constraints in their planning, are weighing up possible departures if the right proposals arrive. Liverpool, who considered defensive reinforcements in previous windows, continue to monitor Kounde's situation while deciding where to invest next.

Chelsea's ongoing interest in Lamine Camara

Chelsea have not forgotten about Lamine Camara. The 22-year-old Senegal midfielder, currently at Monaco, was on the London club's agenda last summer and remains an option for their midfield. However, Chelsea are unwilling to pay the 70 million euros, close to £59 million, that Monaco are demanding.

Monaco are standing firm over a player they consider key to their system. Chelsea, used to spending heavily in the market, prefer not to overpay and will wait for circumstances to shift or for a more reasonable negotiation to open up.

Mathis Albert and Manchester City's summer approach

Manchester City tried to sign Mathis Albert last summer. The 17-year-old American forward, currently at Borussia Dortmund, was the subject of an approach from the Etihad. The move did not materialise and the young attacker is continuing his development in Germany.

City's interest reflects the Premier League's push to secure emerging talent before it reaches its full value in Europe. Albert is among the most highly regarded prospects of his generation and his name is likely to surface again in future windows if he keeps progressing at Dortmund.