Bristol City midfielder Marlee Francois is targetting a breakthrough into the first-team after committing his future to the Robins for at least another two years.
The 19-year-old has penned a two-year contract extension at the club with the option for an extra year. He joined Ashton Gate three years ago after leaving Fulham's academy and has continued progressing within the youth setup.
Francois is just the latest talent to extend their stay in BS3 this summer joining both Sam Bell and Tommy Conway in signing new deals with the club showing an extra emphasis on tying their young stars down.
His new contract comes just a year after Francois penned his first professional contract with City and his current deal now expires in 2025 if the club exercise the extra year option.
Speaking to Robins TV on his new deal, the player admitted the successful pathway into the first-team was an influence in committing his future. He said: "I’m delighted to sign a new deal at the club and I’m more determined than ever to kick on as it’s clear there is a successful player pathway here at Bristol City.
“I’m grateful to the club for showing their faith in me by offering a new deal and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and show my worth.
“It’s been a difficult period for me with injury and spending time on the sideline but I’m hungry to get back to full fitness, play consistently well within the academy with the goal of making the jump into the first team squad.”
Francois has yet to make his debut for City but did score against the Robins in pre-season 12 months ago while playing for Portsmouth when they lacked players to see out the final 30 minutes of action.
Having previously had a loan spell with Bath City, it remains to be seen whether the club will opt to send him out temporarily once again with striker Seb Palmer-Houlden recently signing a short-term deal with Chippenham until January.
Zac Bell and Tommy Backwell have also joined Bath on loan this summer while Will Buse is set to join Yeovil.
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