Bristol City make transfer deadline day swoop for Derby County favourite Max Bird

Liam Manning has made his latest Bristol City transfer acquisition.

Reports have emerged that highly-rated Derby midfielder Max Bird has agreed terms on a permanent move to Ashton Gate. However, the 23-year-old will immediately return to Pride Park for the remainder of the season in a bid to aid the Rams’ League One promotion push.

Paul Warne’s side sit fourth in the third-tier standings - four points behind leaders Portsmouth but with a game in hand. Bird has been a key player in the Pride Park side’s attempts to return to the Championship, having featured 24 times in the league this season, scoring three goals and recording five assists.

It’s been reported that the player, whose contract is up at the end of this season, has turned down the offer of a new deal with Derby. He’s spent his entire career with the Rams, after coming through their youth ranks. In total, he’s made 191 appearances for the club.

Bird’s Ashton Gate arrival is the fourth piece of transfer business completed by Manning this month. He follows Adam Murphy, Josh Stokes and Scott Twine in moving to the Robins.

Bristol City sit 13th in the Championship table ahead of Saturday’s visit of Leeds.