Bristol City keeping transfer tabs on ex-Rangers & Portsmouth utility man at Aberdeen

Bristol City are keeping tabs on Aberdeen utility man Ross McCrorie ahead of a possible move in the summer transfer window.

Pete O’Rourke, formerly of Sky Sports, posted on Football Insider that the Robins are amongst several clubs considering a move for McCrorie. Nigel Pearson and the transfer recruitment team are said to be ‘keeping close tabs’ on the Scot who can play in various positions.

The 25-year-old has three-and-a-half years left on his contract and so a considerable transfer fee would need to be exchanged. City have money at their disposal this summer because of the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Bournemouth, and survival in the Premier League should net a further windfall.

Technical director Brian Tinnion hinted that there could be up to four new arrivals this season. City could sign more players however if any of the dozen clubs interested in the Premier League meet City’s valuation for teenage superstar Alex Scott.

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol in early March, Tinnion said: "We’re very active, we had a recruitment meeting last Thursday with the manager and the first-team staff. We know exactly what we want.

"We know the targets that we’ve got so we’ll try and act as quickly as we can when that final whistle goes on the last day of the season. Probably, three or maybe four (players).

"It depends on any outgoings as well. There’s going to be interest in Alex Scott, maybe one or two others but definitely three, maybe four if one goes.

"They’ll be money this summer. We’ll be in a position to sign players, like Mehmeti. We won’t sign any players that are on the down. They’ll all be on the up, they’ll all be young, they’ll all be athletic and be able to run because that’s what our team is going to be based on now.

"There’s some really good players in League One that just need an opportunity. What we’re looking for are players who have maybe played 200 games and who have the experience but just haven’t had the opportunity to play in the Championship so we’re very clear on what we want, clear on the positions, and our targets."

McCrorie has moved to right wing-back in recent weeks having played at centre-back during the earlier part of the campaign. He has played centre-back 15 times this season but also played in defensive midfield where he scored four goals and got an assist. The former Rangers man has also played at right-back, right midfield, and in centre midfield. He has been trusted with the captain’s armband in three matches this season too.

The six-foot-three versatile player has had a brief taste of English football having had a loan move with Portsmouth. He played 17 times for Pompey in the 2019/20 season.