CHELSEA have made £100million-rated Alex Scott their top January target.

The Blues saw a number of approaches, topping out at £64m, rejected for the Bournemouth midfielder over the summer.

Bournemouth are refusing to give up hope on tying Scott, 23, down to a new contract, though he has so far rejected all proposals.

The England international will have just one year remaining on his deal in the summer, meaning Bournemouth will be able to land a larger fee should they sanction a sale in January.

However, having just one year left come the end of the summer may give Scott more options than just Stamford Bridge. Liverpool have been credited with interest.

Chelsea were unable to replace Enzo Fernandez in August following his £125m move to Manchester City.

A late deal for Monaco’s Lamine Camara collapsed on deadline day, with Chelsea furious at Monaco’s conduct. That falling out means they are unlikely to return and open negotiations with the French club.

Adding a midfielder is currently Chelsea’s only plan for the January window. Injuries could change their approach but senior figures are focused on securing a deal for Scott.

The former Bristol City man has missed the last seven Bournemouth games in all competitions with a hamstring injury.

His absence, however, has not held Marco Rose’s side back. Chelsea hammered the Cherries 5-1 in their first game without Scott, but they have since won six on the spin, scoring 16 and conceding none.

Asked recently about Scott’s future, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley told TalkSport: “At this point, we’re convinced we’re the right place for Alex to be and to stay.

“We’ll keep on addressing the contract issues with Alex as we move through this year.

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

“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.”