Palmer is allowed to leave City in loan deal

BRISTOL City midfielder Kasey Palmer has joined Sky Bet Championship rivals Swansea on a season-long loan deal.

Swans boss Steve Cooper had previously tried to sign 23-year-old Palmer on loan in the summer of 2019, but he opted for a permanent move to Ashton Gate instead.

But Cooper has finally got his man, with the Robins happy to let Palmer move on.

The Welsh club concentrated on a deal for former England Under-21 international Palmer after it became clear they could not afford to bring in Liverpool’s Harry Wilson.

Londoner Palmer came through the ranks at Chelsea and had loan spells with Huddersfield, Derby, Blackburn and Bristol City, who then paid a reported £3.5 million to secure his permanent signing.

Palmer has featured only in the EFL Cup in the early stages of 202021, but the Robins have the option to recall him in January.

City head coach Dean Holden said: “Kasey is a talented player and this move is a chance for him to get a run of games he needs.

“We have a very good relationship and we will keep in close contact with him. We have the January recall option, which is important, so we are able to bring him back if we want.”

Meanwhile, Forest Green Rovers have re-signed Birmingham City midfielder Odin Bailey on loan. The 20-year-old put pen to paper yesterday afternoon, confirming a deal that will see him stay at the New Lawn until January.

Bailey represented Forest Green last season after joining in January, scoring spectacularly in a 2-2 draw with Grimsby, before an ankle injury cut short his stint in Nailsworth and landed him a six-week spell on the sidelines.

On completing the deal, Forest Green director of football Richard Hughes said: “We’re really pleased to get Odin on board.

“There was a lot of competition for him, and he’ll give us a good option across the top of the pitch as well as the X-factor that fans will remember.

“He made a real impact in the games for us last season, and I think he’ll be coming back to deal with some unfinished business.

“He’s worked really hard on the physical side of his game, so he’ll really add to what we have.”

Bristol Rovers had been expected to add defender Ali Kolki yesterday, but the deal fell through.

The Pirates are in League One action at home to Burton, looking to make it three victories in a row.

Swindon, meanwhile, have a tough-looking encounter at home to third-tier heavyweights Sunderland this afternoon.

Rogan Thomson/JMP Kasey Palmer has joined Swansea on loan from Bristol City