Bristol City transfer ‘getting closer’ as West Ham talk to Alex Scott agent

Bristol City have reportedly had two bids turned down for Derby County midfielder Jason Knight.

News broke last week of the Robins’ interest in the Ireland midfielder, and they have now acted on their initial transfer enquiries. Telegraph journalist John Percy claims that two bids have been turned down by the Rams, with the latest being £1.5m.

He tweeted: #BristolCity transfer news - Derby have rejected 2 bids for midfielder Jason Knight, the latest at around £1.5m. Getting closer.

“Birmingham are also in talks with #dcfc over a permanent deal for Krystian Bielik of up to £1m #bcfc.”

Knight played for Ireland on Monday evening and was named man-of-the-match in their 3-0 win over Gibraltar. He is predominantly a midfielder but played 85 minutes as a wing-back, highlighting his versatility. He has already made 20 caps for Ireland, at just 22 years old.

Bristol City are said to have made tentative enquiries to the League One outfit, with several other Championship teams also interested, but it is Nigel Pearson’s team who are trying to steal a march on their rivals. Knight has made 166 appearances to date for Derby and has got 14 goals and seven assists. A majority of his appearances have come in the Championship, having played 112 times in the second tier, with 10 goals and four assists.

He could be seen as the ideal replacement for Alex Scott, should the 19-year-old depart Ashton Gate this summer. Bristol City have yet to receive any transfer bids for Scott, but there are several clubs who are monitoring the situation, and now West Ham United’s stance has emerged.

According to the Evening Standard, the Hammers are said to be ‘weighing up a move’ for Scott, with City commanding a £25m fee. They report that the Europa Conference League winners have held initial talks with the player’s representatives, and are now deciding whether to make a move.

West Ham could be set for a big transfer windfall, with there a race to sign Declan Rice. Arsenal wants to sign him but faces competition from Manchester City, and that could be reinvested back into the squad, with Scott a potential target. Spurs and Wolves are also keen on Scott, and Sky Sports believes James Maddison will end up at Newcastle United, which could open the door for the North London club to sign the boyhood Spurs fan.

Wolves meanwhile are awaiting Ruben Neves’ proposed transfer to Al Hilal, which would see £46m come their way. Julen Lopetegui’s keen on recruiting Championship players this summer, and Scott is considered one of the best young players in the division.

Scott is currently on holiday, with pre-season due to begin next week. He was involved in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup with England last month, and his schedule will be managed differently to his peers.