Kane Wilson to Bolton transfer latest as Bristol City provide Tomas Kalas update

Nigel Pearson has admitted Bristol City are still playing the waiting game with Tomas Kalas, amid ongoing uncertainty over him signing a new contract.

Robins players reported back for pre-season training on Monday (June 29), and time is ticking down on Kalas’s contract which expires on Saturday. The 30-year-old was offered a new deal, albeit on significantly reduced terms from his original contract signed in 2019, and is City’s club record transfer signing.

It is understood Kalas has been exploring options elsewhere, and that is not an issue for his manager, who is aware of transfer interest from other clubs and is understanding of the situation. The 59-year-old has taken a relaxed approach to it and has experienced this before, having let Nathan Baker go in the summer of 2021, before rejoining a month later.

“I’ve not spoken to Tomas recently," admitted Pearson when asked about the transfer status of the Czech Republic international.

"It’s more between the club and his representatives. There’s been an offer made but outside of that, he’s probably looking elsewhere at the moment. Deals are never dead. We saw this a couple of seasons ago. It’s one of those things where it illustrates the market and the shape that football is in.

“Tomas has had a difficult couple of seasons in terms of availability and that is something which has been reflected in how we as a club have approached the contract situation. It’s a big shame in many ways, I’m a big fan of Tomas as a player, as a person, but we’ll see. We’ll see if there’s any legs in it yet but we’ll just have to keep waiting I’m afraid.”

Another player’s future who is up in the air is Kane Wilson, who looked set to join Bolton Wanderers last week. The 23-year-old only joined last year but looks set to be moved on following the signing of Ross McCrorie, and the form of George Tanner. Wilson has been unable to force his way into the team and was limited to just seven appearances last season.

A move to Bolton had been proposed, but the deal now ‘hangs in the balance’ as the two clubs discuss a transfer fee. City had to pay money to Forest Green Rovers for Wilson, despite being available on a free transfer, because of the FA’s compulsory rules around compensation. Wilson’s move to Bolton has not yet been finalised, and he reported back to the High-Performance Centre for the first day of pre-season, rather than linking up with his potential new teammates.

"There’s been speculation about Kane," Pearson said when asked about Wilson’s future at the club, amid ongoing speculation about a departure.

"The deal wasn’t concluded, it’s as simple as that. When we make changes to the squad when players come in, clearly that might affect one or two players that are already here. Kane had the opportunity to speak with Bolton, and the deal wasn’t concluded, and he’ll be here today."