Nigel Pearson confirms Bristol City have begun contract talks with Freiburg and Watford target

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has confirmed that talks are underway with Han-Noah Massengo’s representatives to tie him to a new deal.

After securing the future of two of their players, attention has now turned to securing the long-term future of one of their most coveted players.

The 20-year-old is of interest to Bundesliga outfit Freiburg whilst Premier League side Watford are also interested.

Massengo is out of contract in the summer of 2022 and after exchanging a fee for the France Under-19 international, they will be keen not to make any losses on the player.

In his post-match press conference, Pearson said: “As I think you’ve probably read, we’ve been in negotiations with his representatives. Han-Noah seems very settled here.

“He’s got a way to go yet, in terms of developing his game but he’s a player we think a lot about. He’s someone we’d like to secure a longer deal with.”

Massengo has made over 70 appearances since his move from Monaco in 2019 for a fee expected to be £3m though that could rise subject to clauses.

Despite this being his third season at the club and over half a century of matches, the box-to-box midfielder has only just registered his first goal contribution, earning an assist in the Robins’ win over Millwall.

This is something that Nigel Pearson has been made aware of and has tried to deflect the pressure off the player given how highly rated he is by fans and the wider football public.

“One thing that strikes me is how he wants to improve his own game,” said his manager, who this season has put an emphasis on bringing the average age down of the team.

“He knows he’s not been in the best form. I’m always wary of talking young players up too much. Sometimes Han-Noah has too much expectation on him but he’s a really grounded young man, he has a humility that’s admirable for somebody at such a young age.

“He does catch the eye but it’s hard not to when you have a hairstyle like that! I’m delighted he had a positive contribution when he went on.”

As is the structure at Bristol City, first-team manager Nigel Pearson plays no role in the contract discussions which take place with a players representatives.

Pearson, who has previously worked with a number of clubs, has preferred working with teams who operate with director of football’s and technical directors.

Asked whether he played a part in the process of Cameron Pring and Tyreeq Bakinson’s extensions as well as Han-Noah Massengo he said: “None. My relationship with players is based on football, not finances. That's where Richard deals with that. I don't talk with agents, at all. Never have done.

“The relationship I like to have with players is based purely on what we do, and that's work. Don't get my wrong, I'm aware of situations, and sometimes there will be occasions I have conversations; if a new agent comes in, I might pop my head in and say hello but for the most part I'm not interested in that side of the game.”