Bristol City backed for reunion transfer as Liam Manning plans 'raid' of Oxford United

Bristol City have been linked with a January transfer swoop for Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan.

The registration period opens on Monday, January 1, however the Robins will have targets in mind before the window opens. Brannagan, linked with a move to the West Country before Manning's appointment, has had his name mentioned again.

A report from TEAMtalk says that Manning is 'keen to raid' his former club and sign Brannagan. The midfielder had several opportunities to leave the club last summer, and in the 2022 winter transfer window he rejected Blackpool who had activated his £1.2m transfer clause.

Brannagan is under contract with the U's until the summer of 2025. The 27-year-old has four goals and five assists in 19 games this term, and has 45 goals and 25 assists overall in his 258 games with Oxford. He played 25 times under Manning who was appointed Oxford manager back in February, and he got six assists and five goals in 25 games, helping his side to safety before transforming them to promotion contenders.

“We’re in talks with Brian (Tinnion) constantly in terms of what do we need to add," said Manning to Bristol Live last week when asked about his trasnfer plans for next month.

"In terms of initial bits I think some goals might help, so attacking positions is something that we’ve had discussions about but it’s a really difficult market, front players and wide players, especially in January, so you have to do the right business, that’s the most important bit.”

Technical director Brian Tinnion revealed a fortnight ago that a recruitment meeting was held with him, Manning and his recruitment staff, and that more meetings would be held this month. Plans for next summer have also been discussed, however should finances permit then their proposed business for the summer could be brought forward. It was suggested by Tinnion that one or two players could arrive at Ashton Gate in an ideal sense.