Bristol City ‘drop’ transfer interest in Hull City target amid Derby County development

Bristol City have dropped their interest in Derby County midfielder Max Bird, according to reports on social media.

Transfer journalist Darren Witcoop claims that the Robins, along with their Championship rivals Hull City are 'set to drop their interest' for Bird until January, after the midfielder was sidelined with an injury.

He said in a tweet at Monday lunch time: "Hull and Bristol City are set to drop their interest in in-demand Derby County midfielder Max Bird until January. Bird faces at least 10 weeks out with ankle ligament damage."

The 22-year-old suffered ankle ligament damage in the Rams' defeat to Oxford United last Tuesday and needed help in getting him off the pitch. He has been assessed and Paul Warne has confirmed that Ward is set to be out for 'at least eight weeks' according to DerbyshireLive, and an October return date is likely.

Bristol City had never been said to be the front-runners for Bird, and it was Hull who held the strongest interest, having had a bid rejected at the start of the month. It fell well short of Derby's valuation, and despite only being in contract for the next 12 months, the Midlands club are keen to keep him.

Bristol City have already done business with Derby this summer, having bought Jason Knight from them for a fee of up to £1.8m, along with add-ons. Kane Wilson - who struggled to find game time at Ashton Gate, went in the opposite direction in a separate deal for an undisclosed fee.

Earlier this month, the Robins were turned down by George Thomason after a £1m bid to Bolton Wanderers had been lodged for him. He ended up signing a new contract with the League One club, and since then City have looked to other targets. Cameron Brannagan from Oxford United has been mentioned whilst the club was in talks with St Patrick’s Athletic for a move for highly-rated 18-year-old Adam Murphy.