City boss Pearson keen on signing former Leicester midfielder James

BRISTOL City are hoping to bring in another former Fox as they build a squad to go for promotion over the next three years.

Former Leicester City head physiotherapist Dave Rennie was confirmed as joining the club on Friday, after the new head of medical performance was spotted in the dugout at the club’s final game against Brentford.

The Robins hope to add to their contingent from manager Nigel Pearson’s former club as initial conversations have begun with free agent Matty James over a move to the South West.

Pearson hopes James, pictured, can add steel to the centre of the pitch, following the midfielder’s release this summer from Leicester after nine years at the King Power Stadium, albeit with several loans away and some unfortunate injuries in that time.

James was a regular under Pearson, who signed him from Manchester United, making 99 appearances across three seasons during their promotion to the top flight.

An anterior cruciate ligament tear forced the 29-year-old to miss the entire 2015-16 season as Claudio Ranieri’s side won the Premier League title. But James returned to Under-23s action the following season before heading to Barnsley for six months on loan in 2017 and impressing in the Championship.

Sporadic appearances for Leicester followed before another loan to Oakwell this season was followed by six months at Coventry City. James played in the 3-1 win for Mark Robins’ side over Bristol City in April, and the Sky Blues will be a competitor for the defensive midfielder’s signature this summer, after a good spell in the Midlands since January, which included three goals and three assists. James put in a man-ofthe-match display against Millwall as Gary Rowett’s side were thrashed 6-1 on the final day of the 2020-21 season, claiming a goal and two assists.

After coming through the Manchester United youth set-up, he was a regular alongside Danny Drinkwater as the Foxes won the Championship in 2014, and then partnered Esteban Cambiasso as City produced one of the most unlikely survivals from relegation from the Premier League.

James could become a leader for Nigel Pearson’s 2021-22 team if City can get a deal over the line. Wage remuneration may be key.

“Yes, absolutely, why not? If he does well...” said Coventry boss Mark Robins in January when asked about whether he would be interested in a deal for James over the longer term.

“He’s obviously had a lot of injury problems to overcome and he’s done that and shown amazing strength of character to come through that.

“He’s been doing his coaching qualifications alongside his recovery which will stand him in good stead, and while he’s 29 years of age, he’s a young 29 because he’s had some time out and not played.”