Bristol City linked with Zulte Waregem winger as Hearts defender eyes talks with Robins

The Championship season hasn’t concluded yet but the transfer rumours have started
Jean-Luc Dompe has reported interest from Bristol City and Norwich City. (Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)Jean-Luc Dompe has reported interest from Bristol City and Norwich City. (Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Jean-Luc Dompe has reported interest from Bristol City and Norwich City. (Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)

Bristol City have been linked with a move for Zulte Waregem’s French winger Jean-Luc Dompe this coming summer but they face competition from a Premir League club.

The summer transfer window doesn’t open for another few months but reports in the Netherlands say City have already begun looking at at least one target.

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Dompe has 14 assists and two goals for Belgian outfit Zulte, who are currently 16th in the Belgian Pro League.

According to Dutch outlet Voetballkrant, both City and Norwich City have held talks with the players’ representatives.

The French-born winger is out of contract in the summer of 2023, and may not want to currently extend his contract according to the report.

With at least a year on his contract, Zulte would at least want to recoup some kind of transfer fee for there for the past two years.

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City’s current formation under Nigel Pearson does not accommodate for wingers with the boss preferring three centre-backs who are supported by wing-backs.

Dompe hasn’t been tried as a defensive option before and has only played on both flanks, as well as an attacking midfielder and a secondary striker.

His footballing background has mainly been in Belgium after leaving French side Valenciennes, his first team in his professional career in 2015.

He has since turned out for the likes of Sint-Truiden, Standard Liege and Eupen before a brief return to France with Amiens.

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In 2018, he joined KAA Gwent and played a season there before joining his current side Zulte Waregem.

Taylor Moore has played in various roles for Hearts this season. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)Taylor Moore has played in various roles for Hearts this season. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Taylor Moore has played in various roles for Hearts this season. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

As well as a potential arrival to City, they could also see one of their centre-backs depart in the summer, after struggling to make a breakthrough.

Taylor Moore, who was loaned out to Scottish Premiership side Hearts in August, could be set to depart the Robins, having fallen out of favour.

The 24-year-old is contracted for another year but is thought to not be a part of Pearson’s plans going forward with a defender high on the shopping list.

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In an honest and frank interview with the Edinburgh Evening News, the defender said he will hold discussions with City over his long-term future plans.

“I’ve got to have some very serious conversations this summer with Bristol City, my agent, my girlfriend and my family,” he told the Evening News.

“Where do I see myself next season? Do Bristol City need me or not? There are a lot of questions.

“I’m very much open to having a conversation with Bristol City to see where things are. Ultimately, I need to go into next season positively in a team that wants to be successful, like this one, and looking to play as much as possible to develop.”

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Moore has made 18 appearances for Robbie Neilson’s side this season with the Edinburg club in the final of the Scottish Cup and guaranteed a European spot for next season.

But whilst Hearts may be a logistical option given his year at Tynecastle, no discussions have been held with the club about extending his stay.

"Recently, our conversations have been more about how I can get in the team than maybe staying here,” he said.

“I think everyone is open to a lot of options. It could be a loan, it could be a permanent deal, or it might not happen. I need to let them know that I am committed until the final day here.

“I am hungry to play. I came to Hearts to get game time and unfortunately for me it’s been a stop-start all season. I understand that’s part of football in a team doing well.”

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