Bristol City are weighing up whether to make a third offer to Derby County for midfielder Jason Knight but may turn their attention to other targets after the Rams rejected two approaches for the Republic of Ireland international.
As reported by the Telegraph’s John Percy, the Robins have been unsuccessful with two bids for the 22-year-old, the second around £1.5m and while the claim is the deal is “getting closer”, Bristol Live understands it’s not a given that City launch a fresh attempt.
Knight has emerged as a summer target as Nigel Pearson looks to reinforce his midfield with the awareness that Knight - who was named man of the match for Ireland against Gibraltar on Monday night as a wing-back - can cover multiple positions. Discussions have been held with the players' representatives, as has been the case with other Championship clubs, but finding a compromise over the fee is the real challenge.
Knight is one of Derby's prized assets but following their failure to secure promotion from League One, has left the Rams vulnerable to offers. A deal closer to £2m, including add-ons, is likely to force a sale but City are working within a tight and defined transfer budget and they won’t be pushed into overspending on any one player.
Pearson is looking at making additions in other areas of his squad and the club are presently working on the scenario that Alex Scott remains at the club - albeit having also prepared for the opposite occurring - hence the relative lack of flexibility compared to if the England Under-20 international was sold for his £25m asking price.
So far, around £2m has been invested in initial fees for Ross McCrorie and Rob Dickie, while Haydon Roberts arrived on a free transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite the Seagulls reporting the move for “undisclosed terms”, City CEO Phil Alexander insisted this week it was “a free”. While the move was also without the obligation of compensation as Roberts hadn’t been offered fresh terms at Amex Stadium.
City’s spending has been largely offset by the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Bournemouth in January which has equipped them with a competitive transfer budget, but despite revenues set to increase in the Championship over the coming seasons due to the new SkyBet sponsorship deal and TV contract with Sky Sports, the Robins want to remain frugal.
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