Bristol City hold transfer talks with Brighton starlet as Derby left disappointed

Bristol City are reportedly in talks to sign Haydon Roberts - who has most recently left Brighton.

Football Insider reports that the Robins have ‘opened’ talks with the defender according to sources. The 21-year-old is out-of-contract with the Seagulls this summer, and is departure from Sussex has been confirmed.

City confirmed the signing of Rob Dickie from QPR yesterday, and Roberts would be another welcomed addition to add to the defensive options that Nigel Pearson craved. Roberts spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Derby County, making 46 appearances in all competitions as the Rams just missed out on a play-off spot.

He scored two goals and kept 14 clean sheets, playing mainly as a left-back. His natural position is centre-back but his versatility could be welcomed. With Dickie’s arrival confirmed, Roberts could provide cover for Cameron Pring at left-back, whilst also being an option to have for Zak Vyner and Dickie.

Roberts came through Brighton’s academy and was born in the city, making his professional debut in 2019. He made six senior appearances for the Seagulls, and also had a loan spell with Rochdale in the 2021/22 campaign. He’s got 21 appearances from England Under-16’s to Under-18 level, with an impressive 14 outings for the Under-17’s. Roberts has played alongside the likes of Cole Palmer, Harvey Elliott and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Rams boss Paul Warne did confirm to the Derby Telegraph last Month that Derby had held talks with Roberts’ representatives over a possible permanent return to Pride Park, but the lure of Championship football could sway it in City’s favour.

In an update on proceedings, BristolLive say that Roberts has already held talks with Nigel Pearson, and has visited the High Performance Centre. Joe Bryan’s return to the club has fallen through with the player apparently in favour of remaining abroad after a loan spell with Nice.

In another transfer that City are involved in, Ross McCrorie is expected to finalise his move to Ashton Gate this week. A fee has been agreed though there have been contrasting reports about what it is costing them to bring him to the West Country.

McCorie has been called up to the senior Scotland squad for their matches against Norway and Georgia, but that will not affect him as he undergoes his medical on Tuesday.