Several EFL clubs interested in Bell loan deal

BRISTOL City will have discussions over Sam Bell’s short-term future ahead of the January transfer window after receiving five loan offers from EFL clubs, writes Richard Forrester.

The Robins striker, 20, has yet to start for the senior side this season, being limited to three substitute appearances in all competitions.

Bell, right, has been in prolific form for the U21s with ten goals in his last 11 matches, including a fine hat-trick against Category 1 academy Newcastle earlier this month.

Competition for places in the senior side has been strong so far this season, however, with Nahki Wells, Tommy Conway, Antoine Semenyo, Andi Weimann and Chris Martin ahead in the pecking order.

Two substitute appearances in the League in the last month offers evidence that his form for the youth side is being rewarded, but a regular run in the first-team still seems unlikely. That is unless City receive a substantial offer for Semenyo during the winter window.

Ashton Gate technical director Brian Tinnion told Bristol Live: “We’ve had lots of enquiries, we’ve probably had four or five League clubs that would take him on loan, but we’ll have the conversations when we get closer to January to see where he is in the pecking order and if he’s going to make an impact.

“If he is, then he’ll stay in the building. If we think that for his development it might be good for him to go and get some League games then we’ll look at that, but he’s working really hard and playing and training well, so he’s chomping at the bit to get an opportunity here.”

Bell is the son of former City leftback Mickey Bell, who played nearly 350 times for the club.