Bristol City are closing in on a surprise move for 20-year-old goalkeeper Stefan Bajic on a free transfer, according to reports coming out of France.
The young stopper currently plays for French Ligue 2 side Pau who he joined in February after St Etienne, where he was third choice, terminated his contract six months early to push the deal through
Bajic played 15 times for Pau in the second half of the season where he was signed to a six-month contract, earning the attention of clubs abroad including in his native France, Belgium and England. Reports also suggest he was in advanced discussions with Valenciennes FC.
According to RMC journalist Loic Tanzi, the Robins have won the race for his signature and have agreed a three-year deal for the stopper. He would become the fourth signing after Mark Sykes, Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson.
Bajic came through the youth ranks at St Etienne and made nine appearances in the French top-flight and three in the Coupe de France. He also became the club's youngest ever player to start a league game during the 2019-20 campaign.
He has featured in all of France's youth sides including playing for his country at the Euro's Under-19 Championship in 2019 where they were knocked out by Spain in the semi-finals on penalties. Bajic was number one during the tournament and played alongside City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo.
If the deal goes through, it poses a question as to the futures of City's current keepers captain Dan Bentley and Max O'Leary.
Bentley currently has one year left on his contract at Ashton Gate and for that reason alone is enough to speculate on his long-term future in BS3. However, in a press conference before the end of the season, he revealed his representatives have been in contact with the club's hierarchy over extending his deal.
He was dropped from the City side for 11 matches mid-way through last season when an injury to O'Leary saw him come back into the side in February. Bentley retained his place for the rest of the campaign and his form was impressive, earning the praise from manager Nigel Pearson.
O'Leary turns 26 in October and could be seeking regular first-team football although there is no suggestion he will leave the club this summer. He still has a contract at Ashton Gate until 2023 while the club hold the option of an extra year.
It's not the first time City have been linked with a goalkeeper. In March they were rumoured to be interested in Brazilian stopper Victor Braga from Portuguese side Arouca.
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