Bristol City have made a breakthrough in the transfer market and have seen off several Championship rivals to land Colchester United attacking midfielder Sammie Szmodics.
According to our sources, the Robins are set to complete a deal for the 23-year-old soon and will pay a fee in the region of 750k.
Szmodics is highly rated by the U's and the Essex club did not want to lose a player seen as one of the gems from their own academy.
However Lee Johnson and his staff have won the signature - and seen off some late interest from Marcelo Bielsa, we have been told.
Hull City and Derby County also held an interest in the player who scored 15 goals last season, and will add creativity to Johnson's side and compete with Jamie Paterson for the no.10 role. A move to Peterborough United was rejected last week.
Szmodics was absent from Colchester United training today as John McGreal's side reconvened for pre-season.
Also absent was goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin, who Bristol Live have also been told will be joining the Robins this summer.
Further, as per Bristol Live's sources, the Robins hold an interest in Doncaster Rovers captain Tommy Rowe.
The versatile player is out of contract and could be announced next week once his deal at Rovers finishes. While often played in midfield, the 30-year-old would cover a number of positions at Ashton Gate, including at left-back where the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has also played at times.
Bristol City are trying to bring back Jay Dasilva to BS3 and Rowe would provide competition for the spot if the Robins do win his signature. However, there is further Championship competition for the ex-Manchester United youth player.
Former Donny boss Grant McCann explained recently that Rowe had offers to consider.
“Nothing is really materialising on that with Tommy,” he said last month to the Doncaster Free Press, before McCann's switch to Hull City, who may well be one of the other sides in for Rowe.
“He’s got a lot of clubs interested in him.”
