Man City owned club to rival Bristol City in transfer battle for Crystal Palace man

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Bristol City now face a battle to secure the signature of their transfer target from January.

Bristol City now face competition to sign Crystal Palace defender Jake O'Brien this summer.

The Robins tried to sign the Eagles man in January, but because he was already out on loan, the Premier League club wanted a better deal, and wanted a loan fee, but with promotion unlikely, spending such a sum on a temporary player wasn't seemed in the best interests. He remained in Belgium and City had to do without him, but are interested in pursuing a permanent deal this summer.

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The 22-year-old has just completed the entire 2022/23 season at second-tier Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek - owned by co-owner of Crystal Palace John Textor. O’Brien made 30 appearances and scored three goals, keeping nine clean sheets as his side were promoted.

City now face a transfer battle however to secure O'Brien - who has been a reported target since January. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that Troyes have 'identified' O'Brien as a target and have already begun talks with his representatives. He is under contract at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2024 after signing a three-year deal in November 2021, which means a transfer fee will need to be exchanged for him to be lured away from South London.

Troyes have just been relegated to Ligue 2, the second tier of French football, and have decided to keep on former Leeds United and Leicester City boss Patrick Kisnorbo. They are owned by the City Football Group, which is the holding company that owns several football clubs, with the most high-profile being Manchester City which is its leading club, and then Girona in La Liga, and New York City in the MLS.

A new centre-back is a priority for Nigel Pearson, who seeks defensive reinforcements this summer. Tomas Kalas is yet to sign a new contract after being offered new terms this month, leaving just Zak Vyner as their only out-and-out recognised centre-back. Cameron Pring, Kal Naismith and George Tanner have also played there, whilst they have Duncan Idehen and Joe Low in waiting.

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