Bristol City rival Sunderland in transfer race for League One striker

Bristol City are reportedly one of teams chasing Lincoln City striker Ben House, according to transfer reports.

TheRealEFL say that the Robins have joined the race, which includes many Championship and League One clubs chasing the signature of the Imps forward. Championship rivals Sunderland were linked with him last month, again by The Real EFL, with the other clubs undisclosed.

The 23-year-old has played mainly as a centre-forward for his club this season but can also play as a centre-midfielder, an attacking midfielder or as a winger. He has scored 12 goals in League One this season and also chipped in with two assists for a side that are on course for a mid-table in the third tier.

He was only been a Lincoln player for just under 18 months, and his contract length was not disclosed when he joined but it is a 'long-term deal'. He would cost Bristol City a transfer fee, and whilst there is money to spend Nigel Pearson has insisted that they will not break the bank to make additions.

House has already had the pleasure of playing at Ashton Gate, having featured in Lincoln’s Carabao Cup win back in December. House scored past Stefan Bajic in a surprise 3-1 win for Mark Kennedy’s side.

As for forward options, City already have Harry Cornick, Nahki Wells and 12-goal Tommy Conway at their disposal from a central position. Andi Weimann and Sam Bell can play centrally too whilst also covering the wide positions in a 4-3-3 formation the team has adopted since the New Year.

Before joining Lincoln City, House was playing for Eastleigh in the National League after being released by Reading. He had been at the Royals for three years but made just one FA Cup appearance, and was picked up by Michael Appleton last year. His return of 13 goals in 43 matches this season is the first time he’s achieved double figures and it is a career best campaign.

In his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Loftus Road to face QPR on Monday, Nigel Pearson admitted that the club explore the non-league markets for signings. Anis Mehmeti was signed from Wycombe Wanderers, but had been at Woodford Town, before finding a route back in to the professional game.

He said: "For a lot of players, the non-league scene is a very vibrant scene. We here are always active with keeping our eyes very alert for players who come on a little bit later."