Bristol City and Swansea City linked with transfer swoop for Crystal Palace midfielder

Bristol City have been linked with a summer swoop for Crystal Palace midfielder Killian Phillips, who could be available either on loan or on a permanent basis.

The Robins have money at their disposal this summer after the sale of Antoine Semenyo to AFC Bournemouth. City did buy Anis Mehmeti and Harry Cornick on Deadline Day from Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town, but there is still money to spend and now they have their first summer link.

Alan Nixon, a Football League journalist that contributes to The Sun, as well as his own Patreon page, linked City with a move for Phillips. He reported on his Patreon that both City and their Championship rivals Swansea City are ‘both keen’ on landing him.

Phillips is currently on loan with League One club Shrewsbury Town, who are managed by ex-Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill. The 20-year-old has made 13 appearances so far for the Shrews, and has got two assists and a goal.

Crystal Palace recruited Phillips in January 2022 after impressing on trial, joining from League of Ireland side Drogheda United. He spent pre-season with the first-team and turned out several times for Patrick Viera’s side in friendly matches, before getting a first-team opportunity in the Carabao Cup in August.

He is under contract at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2024, and Palace will have a decision to make as to whether he would benefit from a loan move in a division above where he is now or even if they could entertain selling him, by including clauses in any potential deal. As per Football Insider, Phillips is ‘keen to keep his options open’ before making any decision.

During Nigel Pearson’s two-year reign, City have not made any loan signings, despite efforts to recruit Reda Khadra in the summer. The last player to join on a temporary basis was Steven Sessegnon from Fulham, who joined in September 2020 when Dean Holden was in charge. Sessgnon is now managed by Holden at Charlton Athletic.

Technical director Brian Tinnion, who is in charge of transfers, has said that there will be at least three or four signings this summer, and it could be more if there is a high-profile sale. Alex Scott is a man in demand with the list of clubs interested in the 19-year-old growing by the minute, and any sale could mean more money is made available at Pearson’s disposal.