Bristol City are interested in AFC Wimbledon attacking midfielder Jack Rudoni, along with two Championship rivals, but the Robins are yet to make an official approach, Bristol Live understands.
Reports on Sunday night indicated that the Robins, along with Huddersfield Town and Sunderland, had bid £1million for the 21-year-old who looks set to leave Plough Lane this summer following the Dons relegation into League Two.
Rudoni scored 12 goals and added five assists across 41 league appearances in a struggling team and was scouted extensively towards the end of last season by a number of Championship and League One clubs, including City.
But the Robins haven't made a formal offer, while the figure of £1m is said to be a considerable over-estimate of what’s been proposed by Huddersfield and Sunderland. Those approaches, which have subsequently been rejected in south London, are said to be closer to half a million plus add-ons which could eventually take it towards seven figures.
The concept of a League Two club turning down £1m up front following relegation is extremely unlikely but Wimbledon could now be in a position where they can drive Rudoni’s price up as a bidding war could develop, which may or may not involve City.
New AFC Wimbledon head coach Johnnie Jackson has reluctantly accepted he may have to agree to at least one major sale this summer, with Bristol Rovers also keen on Rudoni's teammate Luke McCormick.
Nigel Pearson declared in April that his expectation was he wouldn’t have money to spend in the market and the Robins three additions this summer - Mark Sykes, Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson - have all been free transfers, albeit with some compensation due to Forest Green Rovers for the latter.
There is a scenario whereby a sale of one of City’s prized assets could enable Pearson to have some spending power but Bristol Live understands there have been no bids for Alex Scott, Han-Noah Massengo or Antoine Semenyo this summer, while the latter’s shin injury now makes a summer exit improbable.
Rudoni certainly fits the profile of the type of signing City would like to make - a low-cost talent with a high ceiling akin to George Tanner, Rob Atkinson, Sykes and Wilson, but signing him amid such competition appears challenging, given the financial restrictions City are working under.
City have Scott, Sykes and the injured Ayman Benarous as advanced playmakers in their squad, with Kasey Palmer set to depart Ashton Gate. But having released Callum O'Dowda, Rudoni's ability to play on the right and left flank, as well through the middle, would appeal to Pearson's desire for individuals who can cover a number of positions.
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