Bristol City dealt blow in potential West Ham transfer chase | OneFootball

George Earthy has been integral to the Robins' recent surge into the play-offs

Bristol City have been handed a blow in their hopes of signing West Ham United loanee George Earthy on a permanent basis.

That is according to Hammers news outlet, Claret and Hugh, who have revealed exclusives from two sources connected to the East London side, who state that the 20-year-old midfielder won't be returning to Ashton Gate next season despite Liam Manning's ambitions of striking a long-term deal.

The current loan agreement between the Robins and Graham Potter's side is Earthy's first spell away from the London Stadium in a bid to enhance his development after breaking onto West Ham's first-team scene at the back end of David Moyes' second spell in charge, in which he netted his first senior goal in a 3-1 victory over Luton Town last May.

And, despite enduring a mixed bag of performances and a limited number of starts over the course of the season, the England Under-21 international is currently enjoying his richest vein of form in the West Country as City look to solidify their place in the play-offs after a run of just three defeats in their last 20 Championship outings.

However, Manning's dreams of seeing Earthy don the red and white in the years to come have been quashed by those in the capital.

The playmaker's current deal with the Hammers is set to expire in 2026, having put pen-to-paper on fresh terms in September 2023, just under a year before joining City on a temporary basis.

Earthy netted his third goal of the season with a sublime finish in last Saturday's 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, adding to his brace in a crucial 2-1 victory against Middlesbrough back in February.

After the draw in West London, Manning praised the London-born prospect for his work ethic and impact on City's play-off bid in recent weeks, before being asked if he would like to strike a permanent agreement if the Reds were to end their lengthy Premier League exile at the end of the season.

"Who knows? I'd love to," the 39-year-old said via the Bristol Post.

"I think he's great, I think he fits the profile, I think he's developing, he's getting better, he's got an exciting future ahead of him, suits how we play and what we want to do. But they're discussions that happen behind the scenes."

But, those ambitions have been somewhat dented, with an insider at the London Stadium spelling it out to Claret and Hugh that City have "no chance" of doing so, with another source stating “I doubt they could afford him anyway”

The report goes on to state that Potter wants Earthy to be a part of his pre-season plans in order to assess his predicament ahead of the former Chelsea boss' first full season in charge after replacing Julen Lopetegui at the turn of the year.

Bristol City's chances of promotion amid George Earthy revelations

Even if promotion is secured, it seems more unlikely than likely at this moment in time that the Hammers academy graduate will make a permanent switch to BS3 in the off-season, although stranger things have definitely happened.

At this moment in time, though, Manning's full focus will be on how the attacking midfielder can continue to have a positive impact on what could still be a hugely successful season for the Robins, as they are currently in the box-seat in the current five-way battle for the final two play-off spots.

Next up for City is a home clash with Sunderland on Good Friday, in what could be a potential dress rehearsal for the play-off semi-finals, with Regis Le Bris side having very little to play for in terms of current aims other than building momentum ahead of the post-season showdowns.