Cambridge United view on Bristol City, Huddersfield Town and Derby transfer target

The transfer speculation machine has gone in to overdrrive recently with several players linked with a move to Bristol City this summer.

One rumour from Friday came to fruition as Rob Dickie joined from QPR in a deal worth up to £1m, whilst Ross McCrorie, who has been linked since April, is expected to finalise a move to Ashton Gate this week. Recently released Brighton defender Haydon Roberts - who was on loan at Derby County for the season, is another who looks to be on his way to the West Country.

Over the course of the weekend however, we saw that Harvey Knibbs had been linked with a move to Bristol City, and that would be interesting. The 24-year-old is from the city of Bristol, and is the son of Bristol rugby legend Ralph Knibbs, who made 436 appearances between 1982 and 1996.

Knibbs was raised in Derbyshire and came through the academy of Aston Villa, rather than his hometown city. He’s so far only ever played for Cambridge United, but is leaving the Abbey Stadium this summer for pastures new. Huddersfield Town - currently without a manager - are seemingly leading the race but Derby County are also keen, whilst City could make an offer.

To get the lowdown on Knibbs, we spoke to Cambridge Independent writer Liam Apicella who gave us the lowdown on the frward.

What kind of forward is Harvey Knibbs?

I wouldn’t say he is an out and out centre-forward, more of an attacker than can play in any of the two/three positions behind a traditional number 9. Played out wide and in the number 10 role for Cambridge + a couple of appearances in midfield, which highlights his versatility.

What are his strengths and weaknesses?

One of his major strengths is work-rate and the ability to lead an attacking press, which on countless occasions forced defenders into making mistakes or gifting the ball back to Cambridge.

He’s a good dribbler as well, a decent amount of pace and strength.In terms of weaknesses, he’d probably be the first to admit that he needs to be more clinical and get more of the ‘scruffy’ type of goals inside the box.

Do you think he’s capable of playing regularly in the Championship? And would he perform well here?

It’s a big jump up from the bottom end of League One to the Championship. Right now I’m not sure he’s ready to start week in and week out in the Championship, but could potentially become a good squad option for clubs.

He left Cambridge on a free, was that his decision or did the club release him? And is he a big loss to the side, what was the reaction to his departure?

The indications are that Cambridge were keen to keep him and that he was offered a new deal during the season, which he turned down. He will be a big loss to Cambridge because he sets the tone for the attacking press and he caused plenty of problems for League One defences.

With Championship and League One clubs interested, what kind of project/club would be the best fit for him? How come a move to Plymouth Argyle didn’t go through?

Plymouth move and where is he best suited. Plymouth made a bid in January but Cambridge took the decision to reject that and risk losing him for free this summer.

They felt having him in the side rather than cashing in would boost their chances of survival and so it proved. As for his next move, I think he’d best be suited for a top half League One club.

At the age of 24 he needs to be playing every week and I’m not sure that will happen in the Championship, whereas he’s proven to be a useful League One player.