Crystal Palace ‘reject’ transfer offer for Bristol City target

Crystal Palace have rejected an offer for defender Jake O'Brien from Manchester City owned club ES Troyes AC.

Troyes - who are owned by the City Football Group - which is the parent company of Manchester City, and various clubs like Girona and Melbourne City, are interested in bringing the Republic of Ireland defender to France, but their attempts to sign him have been knocked back. The South London Press reported on Wednesday that a seven-figure-bid from the Ligue 2 side, has been turned down, which is just north of £1m.

The 22-year-old is out of contract this summer, and a decision will need to be made by the Eagles as whether his future is at Selhurst Park or not, to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2024. Bristol City tried to sign O'Brien in January, but were priced out of a move because of a loan fee involved, and he was also out n loan at Belgian second tier side RWD Molenbeek which made a deal complicated. In their report, the South London Press claim that 'several' Championship clubs have scouted O'Brien this season.

City have already signed Rob Dickie from QPR this summer who can play centre-back, as well as Haydon Roberts, who is a full-back, that can also play in the centre of defence. Tomas Kalas' future is still yet undecided, and that could make City consider looking in to additional reinforcements in the centre-back area to help provide cover for a position that has been a problem during Nigel Pearson’s tenure.

Rob Atkinson is currently sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and will take time to recover before making a return to action, which stresses the need for defensive cover. Bristol City turned to a four-man defence from January onwards, and that mainly included Atkinson and Zak Vyner, but there are various options available at Pearson's disposal.

Kal Naismith is capable of playing as a left-sided centre-back, as well as Cameron Pring who filled in that role in Kalas' absence, as well as George Tanner who has played as a right-sided centre-back in a back three. Duncan Idehen and Joe Low are also two options to consider, with the latter being involved with the Welsh national team earlier this month. New signing Roberts is a left-back by trade but played at centre-back for Derby County last season, whilst Dickie is an out-and-out centre-back.