Bristol City transfer target keen for move abroad after rejecting offer from club

Bristol City transfer target Stefan Bajic is keen to move away from France after leaving Pau in a boost in their pursuit.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper is free to find a new team after opting not to extend his short-term contract from the club that finished 10th last season.

He was offered a new deal but chose to pursue a new opportunity over the financial structure of the proposed contract.

Bajic was used on a sparing basis for Saint-Etienne and made seven appearances in the French top tier last season. With six months left on his contract however he chose to join mid-table Pau and started 15 matches, keeping two clean sheets.

A report from French outlet RMC says that Bajic is looking for a move abroad and contrary to reports, will not be joining Valenciennes that play in the second tier.

Loïc Tanzi, a journalist for RMC claimed last week that Bajic was in line to join the Robins on a three-year deal, which would secure his future for a number of seasons.

City’s interest has been made public but they also face competition from an unnamed Belgian side, likely to be in the top tier. He had held talks with KV Oostende back in January, who are co-owned by Barnsley chairman Chien Lee.

It is the personal belief of the player that should he get a move away from France that it would be the biggest benefit to his career rather than staying in his native land as he looks to find his standing in the game.

Bajic competes with Illan Meslier, Leeds United’s first-choice goalkeeper in the France Under-21 squad with one cap to his name and now he could be following in his footsteps by following him across the Channel.

He is also a former teammate of City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo with the pair playing at the EURO Under-19 Championships.

Any move to Ashton Gate would see more competition added in an area that City has a number of options to choose from, however club captain Daniel Bentley is the only experienced option.

Bentley has one year left on his contract though preliminary talks over a new deal began back in May with the former Brentford keeper keen to remain at Ashton Gate.

Freelance journalist Gregor MacGregor claimed that City are looking to loan out Bentley’s under study Max O’Leary in the hope of developing him for the season.

The 25-year-old was given a two-month run in the side in December and January but an injury allowed Bentley his place back in the side, holding on to the role.

O’Leary like Bentley has one year left on his current contract but the club does have the option to extend it should they wish.

Harvey Wiles-Richards is also on the club’s books after returning from a short loan spell at National League North outfit Gloucester City. The 19-year-old’s contract runs until 2023 and made nine appearances for the Tigers last season. He was an unused substitute for City last year on eight occasions.

There is also another young goalkeeper to contend with in what is a well-populated position. Will Buse most recently signed a new contract with City as well, penning a one-year extension.

The young shot-stopper spent the season on loan at Taunton Tow and won the Southern League title, playing more than 50 games for his loan club and the Under-23s.