Bristol City's interest in midfielder cools with…

Bristol City's interest in midfielder cools with Cardiff City, QPR and Stoke in the running

Bristol City’s interest in Andy Rinomhota is cooling, Bristol Live understands, with the out-of-contract Reading midfielder considering offers from Stoke City, QPR and Cardiff City plus the Royals.

Rinomhota has been a player of interest for the Robins ever since it became clear he was open to exploring the market, with his Reading deal expiring in Berkshire. Nigel Pearson has indicated, due to the lack of a specialist in his squad, he would like to add a defensive midfielder this summer.

However, City are not pushing for Rinomhota, at least not to the extent of their rivals, and with the 25-year-old looking to decide his future in the coming days, unless a favourable proposal is forthcoming from the Robins - which now looks unlikely - he’ll be heading elsewhere.

The midfielder did report back for the first day of pre-season training at Reading on Wednesday, growing optimism at the Select Car Leasing Stadium that he might extend his stay at the club beyond this summer, having joined the club as a 17-year-old from non-league AFC Portchester.

But Cardiff and QPR have made competitive offers to join Stoke in the race, with the Potters having already signed his midfield cohort Josh Laurent, and given the financial restrictions the Royals are working under, it seems a challenge for them to keep hold of him.

City have added three players so far in this window - Kal Naismith, Kane Wilson and Mark Sykes - and although the latter can play central midfield, he’s more towards the attacking end of the field.

Pearson has Matty James, Joe Williams and Han-Noah Massengo as deeper-lying midfielders, with Andy King’s contract situation yet to be resolved albeit with the veteran returning for pre-season this week.

However, City require a specialist in that area, especially if - as expected - Massengo is to be sold in this window as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Having passed on Marlon Pack and seemingly Rinomhota, the clear indication is that Nigel Pearson has another target lined up.

Former Nottingham Forest and Reading loanee Alfa Semedo was linked earlier this week by Football League World for a fee of £1.3m but Pearson continues to work with minimal transfer finds and unless a player is moved on for a significant amount, that will continue throughout the summer.

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