Bristol City tipped to battle for ex-Chelsea and Brighton transfer target

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Bristol City have the chance to bolster their ranks this winter

Bristol City are interested in a move for Swansea City centre-back Harry Darling, as per Darren Witcoop on X. The Robins are being linked with a swoop for the defender with the January transfer window now open for business.

Darling, who is 25-years-old, is out of contract at the end of the season. He is due to become a free agent in late June as things stand.

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Bristol City could see him as someone to bolster their defensive department. They are currently sat in 8th place in the Championship table and are three points off the play-offs.

Chelsea, Brighton and Hove Albion and Norwich City have been keen on him in the past, as reported by Football League World. He has made 25 appearances in this campaign in all competitions to date and has scored twice from the back.

Bristol City target Harry Darling at Swansea City

Bristol City boss Liam ManningBristol City boss Liam Manning
Bristol City boss Liam Manning | Getty Images

Swansea boss Luke Williams said last week that talks over a new deal with Darling have been shelved: "Not at the moment. I think we are potentially going to be putting that to bed and letting Harry concentrate on his football."

The Swans signed the Cambridge-born man back in 2022 and he has been a regular since then. He has played 60 matches for the Welsh outfit to date and has found the net on seven occasions.

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After joining his current club, Darling said: “I was with [Russell Martin] at my last club and we've stayed in contact. I love working with him and it's such a big club. I've heard really good things about it so those were the two reasons I want to come here.

"I know the way the manager plays so it was just a case of getting the deal over the line - I just can't wait to get started."

He added: "Although I'm a ball playing centre-back, my first job is to keep clean sheets, defend well and do that for the team. If I can do that bit first, then goals are just added extras."

Meanwhile, ex-boss Russell Martin said: “He's very young and hungry and he possesses all the attributes you need to play at the very top, in my opinion, and it's up to us to help him unlock those now. He's got athleticism, mentality, technical ability and, first and foremost, he's a great character. It's a really brilliant signing for the club in terms of investment."

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Harry Darling’s story so far amid Bristol City interest

The Swans defender has been fouled 20 times this term.The Swans defender has been fouled 20 times this term.
The Swans defender has been fouled 20 times this term. | Getty Images

Darling rose up through the academy at Cambridge United and was loaned out as a youngster to Bishop’s Stortford, Hampton & Richmond Borough, Royston Town and East Thurrock United to get some experience under his belt. He then went on to play 73 times for the U’s first-team whilst they were in League Two.

MK Dons signed him in 2020 and he spent two years with the Dons before reuniting with Martin at Swansea. He hasn’t looked back since then but it remains to be seen if he will be sticking around.

Bristol City are apparently eyeing up a swoop as they look to make the top six. They beat Derby County 1-0 this weekend.

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