Bristol City are close to concluding a deal for Colchester United forward Sammie Szmodics with the player attracting interest from several Championship clubs.
The Colchester star is out of contract this summer but due to his age the U’s would be due compensation should he agree a move to Ashton Gate.
The signing is imminent according to reports as the Robins continue their policy of giving lower league players opportunities.
Over the past couple of campaigns City have brought in Callum O’Dowda from Oxford, Hakeeb Adelakun from Scunthorpe and Mo Issa from Cheltenham Town. Szmodics looks likely to be the next name on this list as Lee Johnson continues to recruit from the lower leagues.
The Colchester star can play up front but is more at home as a number 10 linking the midfield and the attack.
He has had an exceptional season as the U’s just missed out on the play-offs. Szmodics led the team with 49 chances created in 42 appearances, was their top scorer in League Two with 14 strikes, nine assists and 32 completed key passes.
It has long been expected that Szmodics would move on to a higher division given his talent and hopefully Bristol City will give him the first team opportunities he needs to continue his impressive progress.