Bristol City eye up experienced Derby County defender as Rams consider Flint as replacement

Bristol City have pushed ahead in trying to sign Derby County defender Curtis Davies as their proposed takeover saga continues to go on.

City have offered contracts to Robbie Cundy and Timm Klose and are awaiting their decisions, but now another defender could be on the Ashton Gate roof in the not too distant future.

The Robins had reported interest in the 36-year-old earlier this month but now they are set to take it up a gear to try and prize him away from Pride Park.

A report from the Daily Mirror says that City are hoping to bring the experienced defender to Ashton Gate as Nigel Pearson is on the search for new dressing room leaders.

Pearson worked with Davies during his coaching stint at West Bromwich Albion, whilst he was also with him during their time together in the England Under-21’s setup.

Derby’s takeover is not set to take place until May 31 and with the former Hull City man available on a free transfer. He would be a reasonable option for City given the lack of financial risk with City in the market for bargain buys this summer.

A departure from the Midlands club would be a blow as he won their Player of the Year award and despite his age, played in every game this season, scoring four goals, which would be a bonus as Rob Atkinson was the closest thing to having a goalscoring defender this season.

In response to Derby potentially losing Davies, they are considering making a move for a former Bristol City defender as his potential replacement.

Aden Flint, who was released by Severnside rivals Cardiff City last weekend, along with former teammate Marlon Pack, is Wayne Rooney’s first transfer target as he plans to get the Rams back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Cardiff’s retained list is yet to be published but the 32-year-old confirmed he would be one of the players leaving as he seeks pastures new.

In a post on Instagram, he said: "My time at @cardiffcityfc has come to an end. First of all it’s been a privilege to play and score goals for this club. There’s been many highs and lows during my 3 years, but the memory that will last with me forever is scoring against them lot down the m4!

"To captain the club on many occasions is a huge honour for me. I’ve met some fantastic people and made some friends for life. Finally want to say a big thank you to the bluebirds fans, your support has been amazing and wish both you and the club every success in the future."

Signed from Middlesbrough for a fee of just under £4m, Flint made 93 appearances in total in a three-year stint. This season he played 38 times for the Bluebirds and featured in the 3-2 defeat in January.

The Daily Mirror’s report claims that Flint is based in Pinxton in Derbyshire, so a move to Derby would make sense. He also has experience of getting out of that division having won the League One title with Steve Cotterill in 2014/15.