Bristol City are close to agreeing a deal for Oxford United defender Rob Atkinson after several weeks of talks with the U's, Bristol Live understands.
The Robins have targeted the additions of two central defenders in this summer window to bolster the defence, and Nathan Baker was brought back into the fold at Ashton Gate this week to offer an experienced option at the back for Nigel Pearson.
This summer's transfer market has been affected by the pandemic and there is some adjustment to wage offers and contracts, and Baker's return was a surprise - after he was initially announced as being released - but a welcome one. The West Country outfit may have another option at the back shortly too.
Discussions with Oxford have continued and sources at the League One side have even suggested that a deal has now been agreed in principle.
Bristol Live reported last month that an offer of more than £1.4m had been sent the way of the Kassam Stadium, for a young defender who enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign in the third tier having signed from National League side Eastleigh.
Oxford United's players returned for pre-season on Thursday, and it was not apparent if the highly-rated central defender was with the U's.
A deal could even be wrapped up before the weekend, with a medical pending, with Pearson conducting double-training sessions at the Robins High Performance Centre, ahead of playing Celtic a week next Wednesday. The Bhoys have also been reported as interested in Atkinson coincidentally.
Atkinson has been likened by some analysts to a younger Adam Webster, and his game looks to be ideally suited to bring the ball forward from the back.
At 6ft4' the former AS Cannes youth player is adept at winning aerial duels too, and if the move is wrapped up it will swell Pearson's options in central defence to Baker, Tomas Kalas, Zak Vyner, Taylor Moore and Robbie Cundy.
Pearson has specifically asked for five players to come in, to strengthen City's spine, with Baker and Matty James being two so far.
Andy King is still being assessed and if he proves his fitness the Wales international could be another. The club is still looking for another centre forward.
