The lowdown on Bristol City transfer target Ross McCrorie – and how much he could cost

Bristol City's season is nearing its end, and already there has been speculation about players coming and going, in what is set to be a big summer transfer window.

The Robins tasted defeat to Watford on Saturday but are mathematically safe and cannot be relegated from the Championship, so now the test will be to finish as high as possible, to make themselves an attractive proposition to new players. The transfer window doesn't open until June, and players don't become free agents until the start of July, but that hasn't stopped the media from linking players to Bristol City, as well as out.

Alex Scott is the man in demand, and Liverpool are the latest club to have been linked with him, whilst there is also some interest in Germany according to The Sun. Scott is valued at £25m, and Nigel Pearson is standing firm about what they think is the best deal for the player.

City, even without a potential Scott sale which could net a massive windfall, have money at their disposal because of Antoine Semenyo's January move to AFC Bournemouth. Technical director Brian Tinnion said up to four players could join, whilst last week Pearson stressed the desire for new centre-backs, as well as a goal scoring midfielder.

Last week, Football Insider linked Aberdeen utility man Ross McCrorie with a move to City, adding that they had been keeping tabs on him but there was interest from other Championship clubs. McCrorie was at Rangers for several years and had numerous loan moves, including a spell with Portsmouth in 2019/20. He's been a regular feature for Aberdeen this season, and has played almost everywhere in defence and midfield, and so for someone who is seemingly versatile, he could be a good fit for City if they decide to pursue a move.

Martyn Simpson is the NationalWorld Central Sports writer and host of the FitbawTalk Scottish Football podcast, and so he’s in a good position to provide an insight on the latest name to be linked with a move to Ashton Gate.

McCrorie has played RWB, CB and CDM this season, but what's his best position? And how does he fare in the other roles?

I've seen him described as versatile plenty of times but I don't think that really does him justice. He's a competent centre back when played in a back three and would certainly be able to do a job at right back or right wing back at Championship level. His best position is definitely in midfield operating as a deeper lying, box-to-box player who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and likes to go on a run. He's strong and doesn't mind having a go for goal when he gets a sight.

Is McCrorie quiet on the pitch? Or is he someone that can be a leader in the dressing room and the pitch?

He's definitely a leader, he's worn the captain's armband for Aberdeen on several occasions and I imagine if they are unable to sign Graeme Shinnie on a permanent basis in the summer he will be the obvious choice to be named club captain.

He had a brief spell with Portsmouth in League One, but how does the Championship and Scottish Premiership compare, and can he deal with the demands of second tier football in England?

I think they are generally around the same level but of course are very different types of league. In the case of McCrorie, I think he would fit in well as he's a big, strong lad who probably has more technical ability that he often gets credit for. He rarely misses a minute of playing time for Aberdeen so I'm confident he'd have the stamina required for a 46 game league season.

McCrorie is under contract until the summer of 2026, how much would you expect Aberdeen to sell him for?

The length of his current deal is something that has made me suspicious as to how true these rumours might be. He's by no means one of the star players in the Aberdeen squad, Dons supporters wouldn't be heartbroken to see him leave for a decent fee but certainly won't be pushing him out the door, he's generally well thought of amongst the support.

I imagine given the qualities previously mentioned he's also a coach's dream to have in your squad so they certainly won't want to see him go. I'm honestly very sceptical as to whether Bristol City could afford him in that, if they view him simply as a versatile squad player, would they realistically be willing to shell out a few million?

Long gone are the days where second tier English clubs are able to pick off Scottish talent on the cheap so frequently and I'd be shocked if Aberdeen let him go for anything less than £3 million - though I believe they might hold out for more.