Bristol City's desire to sign Joe Williams from Wigan Athletic has been complicated by interest from newly promoted Leeds United and West Brom.
The Sun reported on Sunday that City and Middlesbrough are two of the clubs who have declared an interest in keeping Williams in the Championship following his relegation with Wigan.
Bristol Live understands that claim to be true and Williams, who came close to moving to Ashton Gate in January 2019 for £650,000, while on loan at Bolton from Everton, is a summer target for Dean Holden.
However, the Robins will have to work hard to bring him to the West Country as Football Insider are now claiming that Leeds have joined West Brom in monitoring his situation.
Curiously, that particular report states his value at £1.5m, while the Sun claimed Wigan want a single payment of £2.5m, something that the Robins may not be willing to meet.
Williams enjoyed a fine season at the heart of the Latics midfield, impressing with his energy, tackling and overall guile.
Holden's midfield is one man light following the departure of Korey Smith to Swansea City after the expiration of his contract, but the new City head coach does have options in that area of the field.
Han-Noah Massengo, Adam Nagy plus returning loanees Liam Walsh and Joe Morrell should all be part of the first-team squad for next season, not also forgetting Tyreeq Bakinson and James Morton.
However, City are in the market for a central midfielder who can offer greater defensive protection and Williams is very much cast in the Bristol Sport model from a business perspective.
As well as providing proven Championship ability, with a high ceiling in terms of his development, a fee in the region of £1.5m-£2.5m is a relative bargain given what Williams could be worth if he continues on his expected trajectory.
Leeds have already signed one player from Wigan, in the wake of their administration and relegation, paying £1m for striker Joe Gelhardt, while reports have also linked them with a move for 17-year-old forward Sean McGurk.
