Reading’s Andy Rinomhota is on Bristol City's summer transfer window shortlist, Bristol Live understands, with the Royals defensive midfielder set to be available on a free transfer next month.
Rinomhota is one of 14 first-team players out of contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and although Paul Ince was confirmed as new head coach this week to provide some sense of stability at the club, there is the increasing likelihood that he will end his seven years in Berkshire for a new challenge.
The 25-year-old has been offered a new deal by Reading but with finances tight he could secure a better financial package elsewhere, plus at a team more likely to be looking upwards in the Championship.
City are one of a number of clubs who have declared an interest in the all-action midfielder, who is one of several possible Robins options in that position, and although formal talks are yet to take place, discussions are anticipated before the end of the month.
Rinomhota possesses considerable experience having been a consistent presence in the Reading midfield over the last four seasons, making 139 appearances and impressing with his patient passing game and disruptive abilities when out of possession.
When asked about his contract situation earlier this month, he told BBC Radio Berkshire: "There are still a lot of things which can happen. I'm not too sure myself and I can't really explain any more in any detail.
"That's as much as I know. There are discussions with the club but it's a bit back and forth but we'll see what happens in the next few weeks. I'm not saying I'm definitely leaving or anything like that. I've been happy at Reading over the past five or six years, have really enjoyed my time here and one way or another I'm looking forward to see what happens."
Nigel Pearson’s desire for a genuine destructive defensive midfielder is well-established and is likely to be further amplified should Han-Noah Massengo be sold in this transfer window as the Frenchman enters the final 12 months of his contract.
With Andy King offered a player-coaching role, and the belief the veteran will accept the position, inevitably leading to reduced first-team minutes, it leaves City’s engine room with Matty James, Joe Williams, Alex Scott and returning loanee Tyreeq Bakinson, who doesn’t appear to have a future at the club.
James and Williams proved a strong pair towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign, with injuries having delayed the formation of that partnership but neither is a defensive specialist, while Scott is more effective as a creative No8.
City do have Dylan Kadji and Josh Owers among the next crop of academy talent, and at least one of them could play an increased first-team role next season, but adding a tried-and-tested figure such as Rinomhota would considerably increase Pearson’s options and overall depth in the position.
Signed by Reading as a teenager from non-league AFC Portchester in his native Hampshire in 2015, Rinomhota progressed through the ranks before earning his debut in 2017. He was named Royals Player of the Season following his breakthrough campaign in 2018/19.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
