Nigel Pearson delivers transfer verdict on Bristol City links to Man City starlet

Nigel Pearson has rejected the suggestion that Bristol City are pursuing a loan move for young Manchester City centre-back Finley Burns.

Football Insider reported on Wednesday morning that the Robins, along with their Championship rivals Coventry City and Watford made a move to sign the 19-year-old. They say that the trio were keen on signing Burns and that they had all registered an interest in signing him.

In the Championship this season, City have shipped 35 goals with only Wigan, Blackpool, Rotherham, Hull, Swansea, and Reading conceding more. Defensive reinforcements have been earmarked, given the unavailability of Tomas Kalas, as well as there being occasions of an injury crisis in the centre-back. City do want to conduct some business in the January transfer window but are not in a position to recruit any new players, with players needing to be moved off their books first.

Coventry and Watford however have one less team to worry about with Bristol City not one of the teams interested in the England Under-20 international. Technical director Brian Tinnion did previously scout Chelsea and Man City, but Burns is not on the transfer shortlist.

"No," he responded when asked if there was anything in the rumours linking City with a move for the young defender. "Not that I am aware of."

Burns has played one senior match for Man City, featuring in an EFL Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers. He was shipped out on loan to Swansea City in January last year but appeared just three times for the Welsh club. He is highly thought of in Manchester and signed a contract last summer that would keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2027.