Oxford Utd boss addresses Cameron Brannagan future after Bristol City transfer links

Liam Manning says Cameron Brannagan is committed to Oxford United amid reports linking him with a move to Bristol City.

Brannagan was linked with a move to Ashton Gate by transfer journalist Darren Witcoop on Friday. The Robins were said to be ‘looking to bolster their squad’ and Brannagan was linked along with George Thomason and a new forward.

The 27-year-old has been on City’s radar for some time and is Oxford’s leading player. He is a former teammate of Mark Sykes, Rob Dickie and Rob Atkinson, and has made 241 appearances across five years getting 41 goals and 20 assists.

“First and foremost, I’m not online so I haven’t seen it,” commented Manning to the Oxford Mail.

“For me, it’s just speculation and noise. I’ve not had anybody speak to me regarding it so until that happens, there’s not a lot to say on it really.

“If you look at his record in the last few years and the qualities he’s got, and if you know him and you get to know him like I do, you can see why he’s attracted interest from that level.

“I also know having sat with him numerous times, and having such a good relationship with him, how fully committed he is to the club and what we’re trying to do here.”

The £25m sale of Alex Scott to AFC Bournemouth has seen speculation go into overdrive with funds available to Nigel Pearson. Pearson has admitted that there won’t be a spending spree as such but that money could be made available to him to maintain a play-off push in the wake of Scott’s departure.

Bolton Wanderers are expected to make a decision on Thomason’s future after a £1m plus add-ons bid was made on the weekend. It has met their valuation but they must decide if they want to part with the 22-year-old.

Sun journalist Alan Nixon meanwhile linked both City and Coventry City with a move for Barnsley’s Callum Styles on Sunday. It is understood though that he is not on their shortlist this summer, despite being available at £2m.

Bristol City though are in advanced talks with St Patrick’s Athletic about a move for midfielder Adam Murphy. Murphy is highly rated in the League of Ireland and has a long list of suitors in England and across Europe.