Transfer gossip: Bristol City in battle with Cardiff and Swansea for non-league sensation who had 23 EFL scouts watching last week

Bristol City have been linked with a move for a player who has been dubbed ‘the next big thing’ to emerge from non-league football.

Bath City’s Jordan Thomas has been a stand-out performer in the National League South this season, with his eight goals from 19 starts helping the Romans sit seventh in table.

That reportedly saw 23 EFL scouts take in Bath’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Yeovil last Wednesday night. It’s not clear if the Robins were represented for the game at Twerton Park. But according to Football Insider, the 22-year-old winger is certainly on their radar.

Indeed, they go so far to claim that Liam Manning is currently battling it out with Championship rivals Cardiff and Swansea for Thomas’ signature, with Bath unlikely to stand in the player’s way if a respectable offer is tabled.

City, who travel to Blackburn tonight, have won just one of Manning’s five games in charge following his appointment at the start of November. That leaves the Ashton Gate side 14th in the Championship table - but just four points shy of the play-off places,

The head coach will be keen to stamp his personality on the squad when the January transfer window opens. Thomas is the sort of player who could fit the bill, with Manning possessing a detailed approach to coaching and having the ability to improve players further. City are also keen to try a different tactic around transfers under Manning.