Ex-Bristol City star subject of Burnley transfer talks as return to former club suggested

According to L'Equipe, one of the most respected newspapers in France, City's Championship rivals are speaking to Auxerre over a possible loan deal. Massengo played on loan for Auxerre for the first six months of 2023 after being loaned out by the Robins, when it looked like he wouldn't be signing a new contract.

Despite suffering relegation from the French top-flight, he was able to make 15 appearances for Auxerre, which was needed after being frozen out of the first-team picture at Ashton Gate by then manager Nigel Pearson.

The 23-year-old's contract at Ashton Gate expired, and he ended up joining Burnley, with City reportedly receiving £260,000 in compensation. He was limited to just three Premier League appearances under Vincent Kompany last term with all of them off the bench.

Massengo has appeared in both of Burnley’s Championship wins over Luton Town and Cardiff City this season, but again only as a substitute, playing a total of 10 minutes of a possible 180. The two-time France under-21 international is under contract at Turf Moor until the summer of 2027, and so a loan move to Auxerre could be of benefit to his career.

In other news, former Bristol City midfielder Liam Walsh has signed for Championship rivals Luton Town. His contract at Swansea City expired this summer, and now he has signed with the Hatters, as he looks to become more robust after making 20 league appearances last term.

Speaking to the official club website, manager Rob Edwards said: “It’s a really positive signing. Liam’s a super talented footballer, with a great football brain and technically very good.

“I saw him when he was 16 playing for Everton and thought then he’d go onto a be a real superstar. There’s no reason in the future he can’t kick on again, and we’re backing him.

“He’ll be the first to admit that he needs to stay fit now, and that’s his and our challenge that we’ll work on together.

“He’s not one who is going to come in and play 90 minutes straight away, but he can certainly come onto the pitch, help us get control of the ball when we need it, or find that killer pass.”