Former Bristol City winger Albert Adomah is set to be released by Aston Villa following their promotion to the Premier League.
The 31-year-old winger has reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park and will leave the Midlands club on a free this summer according to Birmingham Live.
The Ghanaian international made 136 appearances for Bristol City between 2010 and 2013, scoring 17 goals and providing 29 assists during his time at Ashton Gate.
The news of his potential release has caused a stir around the winger's former clubs, including Bristol City, with Robins fans .
Adomah has previously spoken of his willingness to return to BS3.
Speaking to Bristol Live in October, he said: “I want to say thank you to the supporters for showing me their appreciation again,” Adomah said.
“I’m honoured they still remember me and it made me a bit speechless to be honest.
“I think the fans know what I did for the club in the past and I’ve always got a soft spot for those supporters.
“I truly loved my time here at Bristol City and you never know, one day, it might happen again.
“It would be great if it (playing for City) happened again one day, hopefully, but who knows? In football anything could happen.”
The 31-year-old has been a mainstay in all three of his seasons at Villa Park - but former boss Steve Bruce tried selling him back to Middlesbrough on the last day of the 2018 summer transfer window, whilst there was also interest from Leeds United.
However, he stayed at Villa Park and outlasted Bruce, playing a key part under Smith's revival as they went on an impressive run of form that ended with promotion via the play-offs on Monday.
Yet Smith is now looking to take the squad in a different direction, which Adomah will not be part of.
The winger has also said he has fond memories of his time at the Robins.
“Bristol City gave me the chance to make the big step from League Two to the Championship and I thank (manager at the time) Steve Coppell for that,” he said.
“I’ll never forget him (Coppell) for giving me that chance, even if he only lasted two games. I know he loves wingers and it was a great platform for me.
“There was the disappointment of getting relegated but I loved playing football for the club. My time at Bristol City is right up there in the best time of my career.”
