Bristol City transfer stance revealed on Brighton midfielder that joined Sheff Utd

Nigel Pearson has revealed that he wanted to sign Reda Khadra for Bristol City in the summer. Khadra played against the Robins for Sheffield United but was substituted in the first-half.

The 21-year-old started the match but was withdrawn after half-an-hour after Paul Heckingbottom had admitted he set his side up wrongly. City dominated the first period and created another opportunities which prompted change from the Blades boss.

He was replaced by fellow loanee James McAtee on loan from Premier League giants Manchester City. Heckingbottom admitted that it was no reflection on the player and the decision to make the change proved to be an inspired substitution.

Sheffield United ended up winning the match 1-0 and McAtee was fouled by George Tanner which resulted in a red card for the hosts. Home boss Pearson hailed the decision as ‘brave’.

“It’s because he was a player who has been a huge disappointment,” said Pearson to The Star. “It was a brave decision because he (Khadra) wasn’t running around.”

Khadra is on a season-long loan at Bramall Lane from Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion. It has emerged that the 21-year-old was a target for City in the summer.

An attacking midfielder by trade with his other position a winger on both the left and right flank, his arrival would have certainly made things interesting. City ultimately ended up with three outfield signings; Kal Naismith, Mark Sykes and Kane Wilson, who have all played in defensive positions.

Khadra has gone on to make 11 league appearances with four from the substitutes bench. He has registered one goal contribution this season, netting in a 1-0 win over Swansea City.

“We wanted him in the summer,” admitted the 59-year-old. “We were aware he is high-maintenance but a very talented boy. “His agent wanted him to go to Sheffield United. He might wish he’d come here now.”