Forest Green Rovers director of football Rich Hughes has accepted that the League Two champions are resigned to losing star man Kane Wilson amid interest from Bristol City and other Championship clubs.
Wilson was named League Two Player of the Year after a stellar campaign for FGR as the right wing-back delivered 13 assists and added three goals from 45 league appearances, highlighting his potential to play at a higher level.
Wilson, who is out of contract next month, is a target for City this summer and Bristol Live understands the Robins have made an enticing pitch to the former West Brom academy player to bring him down the M5 but they are not the only offer on the table, including from his current club keen to hold onto him for the forthcoming League One season.
The 22-year-old is likely to make his decision over the next few weeks, with City’s squad due to report back for physical testing on June 10 with pre-season then beginning in earnest 10 days later.
“Kane Wilson will be really tough to keep,” Hughes said. “We expect he has Championship interest. Nothing has happened yet – but he did really well this season, and he’s shown how we can help players progress.”
City have already moved quickly in the window, adding Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith on free transfers from Oxford United and Luton Town, respectively, and Nigel Pearson is a manager who likes to get business done early.
The appeal of staying in the West Country, moving to the Championship, the promise of regular first-team minutes, if earned, and the facilities at City are all major draws for Wilson as he’s undoubtedly one of the most in-demand free agents outside of the Championship.
Pearson is keen to add at least one right-sided defender/wing-back with George Tanner the only recognised senior player in that position at the club after midfielder Alex Scott deputised in the role for the majority of the 2021/22 campaign.
Hughes, who himself was subject to an offer of a transfer from Portsmouth only to remain at New Lawn, was speaking as Forest Green confirmed Ian Burchnall as their new manager following the departure of Rob Edwards to Watford.
Burchnall, who has arrived in Gloucestershire from Notts County, revealed he was yet to meet with the first-team squad as they enjoy their summer break.
Forest Green have already lost one of the key components from their promotion season with midfielder Ebou Adams signing for Cardiff City earlier this month.
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