Bristol City transfer notebook: Robins agree Scottish Premiership switch and loans interest

Bristol City are arranging loans for several young players as the Robins continue developing their academy talent.

BristolWorld understands that Owura Edwards is heading north to join a team in the Scottish Premiership with a loan agreed.

A good bet might be a reunion with former City boss Lee Johnson at Hibernian, who no doubt is fully aware of the talents in BS3, however BristolWorld does not know the identity of the side taking Edwards on loan.

Edwards went on loan to Exeter City and Colchester United in League Two last season, and Jamie McAllister will be fully aware of the young Bristol City wide-man’s talents from Grecians manager Matt Taylor, who previously completed his coaching badges with McAllister.

The Robins, of course, sent Taylor Moore to the other side of Edinburgh last season and it could be that Hearts bring in another Bristol City player however.

Ex-City boss Derek McInnes and Kilmarnock could be another destination, while the club also has a good relationship with Aberdeen too, having loaned Marley Watkins to the Dons previously.

Whether or not Edwards does end up going to Easter Road or elsewhere, the former Bristol Inner City Football Academy pupil will be making the next step in his development following an impressive end to the last campaign with Colchester.

The 21-year-old flier netted three goals and grabbed an assist in 13 League Two appearances (nine starts) in an impressive spell at the Colchester Community Stadium, after first-team chances had proven hard to come by at eventually promoted Exeter.

Edwards was noticeable for being absent from the club’s pre-season training videos put up this week suggesting that a switch could be close.

But the winger is not the only young player attracting attention currently. Goalkeeper Will Buse and right-back Zac Bell are attracting attention from non-League sides, while Ryley Towler was recently linked with clubs in League One.

Goalkeeper Harvey Wiles-Richards is expected to be allowed out on loan, and even Republic of Ireland player Max O’Leary, if the Robins wrap up a deal for France U21 goalkeeper Stefan Bajic.

Bath City are one side interested in taking one or more of those young players, with Jerry Gill keen to boost his National League South squad.

And at the other end of the scale, Bristol City are not finished in the market themselves. If further players move on, following Kasey Palmer departing and Robbie Cundy heading to Barnsley this week, there will be more arrivals.

The futures of senior City trio Tomas Kalas, Dan Bentley and Nahki Wells are not clear, with all three only having a year left on their contracts.

Sales may have to be contemplated before the end of the transfer window if any of the three wish to depart. Preston North End have enquired on Wells, while Tyreeq Bakinson, Zak Vyner and Taylor Moore may yet leave this summer too.

The Robins will try to replace Wells should he depart, while another centre-back and defensive midfielder could yet arrive in this window.

Bristol City have spoken to several midfielders this summer though Guinea-Bissau anchorman Alfa Semedo - linked this week - is too expensive for the Robins and is unlikely to arrive.

Marlon Pack has rejoined Portsmouth, with another recruitment possibility ending, while Andy Rinomhota - linked with an end-of-contract switch to the West Country - has been reported as heading to Cardiff City instead.

Another unlikely link is attacking midfielder Luke Freeman, who has worked with Curtis Fleming previously and whose availability as a free agent will have been noted at Ashton Gate despite his contentious departure from BS3 in 2017, should the Robins look for more creativity from the middle of the pitch.

Andy King is expected to sign a new deal to remain at the Robins in a part playing and coaching role.