Bristol City man on trial at League One club as transfer imminent

Marlee Francois believes he has benefitted from training alongside the Bristol City first-team and hopes he has left an impression on Nigel Pearson.

The 20-year-old went to Austria last week with the first-team squad, and learned about the standards needed to succeed in the professional game. He has been on the verge of a breakthrough at the club after two setbacks with injury, and made a couple of appearances in the FA Cup last season.

Francois, who was involved with the Australia Under-23's this summer, is considered one of the best players in the Under-21's squad, and has the ability to a change a game on its own. He has so far had a loan spell at Bath City, and whether his campaign is spent at Ashton Gate or elsewhere, he believes he has benefited from brushing shoulders with the likes of Alex Scott, Matty James and others.

In an interview with the club he said: "It’s been a good challenge training with the senior players and good to get going again after a hard season.

“I’ve learnt a lot. The trip was more about getting the hard work in early doors to set you up for the season.

“’They help you in many ways. They help you on the pitch with the technical side of your game as well as of it - socialising with them helps you grow as a player and as a person.”

In other news, Joe Low is on the verge of leaving Bristol City permanently, according to reports. Bristol Live report that the 21-year-old is on the cusp of signing with Wycombe Wanderers permanently. The Robins gave Low permission to go on a trial period at Adams Park, despite being in contract, and now it seems that the Chairboys have been impressed with what they've seen, and now want to sign him permanently. According to the report, he trained with Wycombe all of last week, and then played against Arsenal's Under-21's in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Despite being a surprise call-up to the Welsh national team back in June, Low was not a part of Nigel Pearson's plans for the season, and that was illustrated when the Wales Under-21 international didn't travel to Austria for their pre-season camp. He was left to train at the High Performance Centre, and that hinted at different plans for him. The report adds that there is an uncertainty about whether a fee is involved, but Low does have 12 months remaining on his contract.

To date, Low has made two senior appearances for Bristol City, having joined their academy at the age of seven-years-old. He made his debut against Middlesbrough, and then made his first full start against Lincoln City, but endured a difficult match, and was subsequently loaned out to Walsall. It is reported by BristolLive that before Low joined Walsall, Matt Bloomfield who was manager of Colchester United wanted to sign him, but he ended up at the Saddlers.