Forest Green Rovers chief provides key update on Bristol City target Kane Wilson

Forest Green Rovers director of football Richard Hughes has admitted that keeping hold of Bristol City target Kane Wilson will be ‘tough’.

The 22-year-old was a reported transfer target of the Robins as they scout for a right-back for the 2022/23 season and he will be available on a free transfer if he turns down the chance to remain at The New Lawn.

Earlier this month, it was reported by BristolLive that City had opened talks with Wilson over a possible move to Ashton Gate, but face competition from Birmingham City and play-off finalists Nottingham Forest.

The 22-year-old was part of the FGR side that won the League Two title and he was recognised for his part in their triumph, winning the Player of the Year award for the division.

In the 45 games that he played in, he had 13 assists, making him the highest assist maker in the league, he also found the back of the net three times.

“Kane Wilson will be really tough to keep,” admitted Hughes to Gloucestershire Live reporter Laurie Martin after the appointment of new head coach Ian Burchnall.

“We expect he has Championship interest. Nothing has happened yet – but he did really well this season, and he’s shown how we can help players progress.”

The highest level that Wilson has played at is in League One with loans at Walsall and Tranmere Rovers whilst on the books of West Bromwich Albion.

He does fit the mould of the players that City have been reported to be interested in with Fraser Horsfall of Northampton Town linked with the club over the last week.

That is in addition to the completed first signing of the transfer window in midfielder Mark Sykes, who joined on a three-year deal from Oxford United.

There is a need for a recognised right wing-back after City were without last summer’s signing George Tanner for a majority of the campaign. It saw central midfielder Alex Scott fill in the role, as well as academy graduate Ayman Benarous and also top scorer Andi Weimann for a number of games.

Zak Vyner, a centre-back by trade can also play in the role but he has fallen down the pecking order in the first-team.