Bristol City should beat Blackburn Rovers to £1.5m bargain if Dom Ballard deal collapses | OneFootball

The Robins have an obvious alternative if the Leyton Orient forward is unattainable.

Bristol City have already been busy in the transfer market, arming new manager Michael Skubala with the tools to thrive in the Championship.

Sam Greenwood and Lisav Naif Eissat have arrived for transfer fees, while Sam Tickle and Jed Wallace have been acquired on free transfers.

The Robins have also completed the statement signing of Lorent Tolaj from Plymouth Argyle for around £4million plus add-ons, and supporters will be expecting plenty of goals after his exploits in League One.

Bristol City are also keen to bring in Leyton Orient hitman Dom Ballard, but with the club facing difficulties striking a deal, they have the ideal alternative waiting in the wings.

Bristol City can find Dom Ballard alternative in Adama Sidibeh

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Dom Ballard is understandably a man in demand after firing in 23 league goals in his debut Leyton Orient season, claiming the League One Golden Boot in the process.

The centre-forward came through the ranks at the prestigious Southampton academy and was sent out on loan to Reading, Blackpool and Cambridge United, but generally struggled for goals.

However, the 21-year-old has been a revelation for the East Londoners, hence why he has attracted strong interest from Bristol City.

The Robins have now had multiple bids turned down, the latest being a reported £4million plus add-ons, with the O's looking for £5m, as revealed by Football League World.

While the club could go back in for Ballard, it seems they have cast their attention elsewhere with Stockport County's Adama Sidibeh of interest, although Blackburn Rovers are also keen, according to Alan Nixon.

Considering that Sidibeh could cost just £1.5m, Bristol City should be encouraged to strike a deal for a player who impressed in the third tier last term.

Why should the Robins target Stockport County's Sidibeh?

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Bristol City defined their mid-table finish by scoring and conceding 59 goals as they finished in 12th place with a goal difference of zero.

If they are to be better than average next season, then they will need to improve their goal tally, especially as none of their forward players managed more than nine league goals.

One man who would provide goals and a different dimension to Skubala's attack is Sidibeh, who flourished for Stockport despite only joining from St Johnstone in January.

The 28-year-old hit the ground running at Edgeley Park, notching six goals and one assist in 19 appearances, while he scored the equaliser in the League One play-off final against Bolton Wanderers before Dave Challinor's side crumbled to defeat.

Sidibeh is a powerful and direct frontman but also offers pace, pressing and the ability to run in behind, which could cause havoc for Championship defenders.

Although primarily a striker, the 28-year-old can play across the frontline while his work rate would make him a valuable asset in and out of possession.

Emil Riis is an entirely different option for the Robins, and while he has his obvious threats, Sidibeh would complement him by adding a different skill set at Ashton Gate.

Not only could the Stockport star combine with Riis to provide hold-up play and explosiveness, but he would also make a threatening option from the bench, which could prove key late in games.

In Scott Twine, Skubala has the perfect player to feed Sidibeh, and his ability to thread through balls would allow the forward to find dangerous positions behind Championship defences.

Of course, Ballard seems to be the main target for Bristol City, but going for Sidibeh would be a smart option if they cannot land their man.