Bristol City launch transfer bid for 23-goal striker amid West Ham & Werder Bremen interest | OneFootball

Bristol City have had an initial offer for Dom Ballard rejected by Leyton Orient.

Bristol City are set for a busy summer as they look to back new boss Michael Skubala following his arrival from Lincoln City.

The former Leeds United coach has emerged as a standout young coach in the EFL after the work he did with the Imps, which included winning the League One title in style last season.

So, convincing Skubala to swap Sincil Bank for Ashton Gate is seen as a coup for the Robins, and they have already got to work in terms of improving the squad, with Sam Tickle and Sam Greenwood having signed for the club.

Bristol City fail with initial offer for Leyton Orient’s Dom Ballard

Action images

That won’t be the end of the summer business, though, and it appears Bristol City are looking to secure a new striker.

That’s after reporter Alan Nixon confirmed they have had a bid rejected by Leyton Orient for their star man Dom Ballard.

The former Southampton man enjoyed a brilliant individual season for the O’s, as he found the net 23 times in 40 appearances, despite the Londoners battling to stay in the league.

Naturally, that form has caught the eye of others, but Bristol City are trying to move ahead of any rival interest by making a play for Ballard.

Even though it has been said that Leyton Orient have turned down the first ‘realistic’ offer for the 21-year-old, it’s expected that the Robins will return with another bid.

There has been plenty of interest already in Ballard's signature this summer, with West Ham and Werder Bremen among the clubs keeping tabs on the ex-Southampton man, as per the Daily Mail.

Dom Ballard is ready to make the step up to the Championship

Firstly, there were always going to be offers on the table for Ballard, because he was excellent in what was a poor Leyton Orient side on the whole.

To score 23 goals is a fantastic return, and Ballard is the sort of player that could continue to flourish at a higher level - and he will feel he has earned the chance to do just that.

Action Image

The youngster is very clever with his movement, he is sharp around the box, and, as his goals prove, he is clinical and calm when he gets opportunities to find the net.

When you consider his age, buying clubs will see him as someone who can be a long-term solution, and you would have to say that signing Ballard would be a statement of intent for Bristol City.

It could also be a good move for the player, as Bristol City would give Ballard the game time he needs to continue to develop, whilst Skubala has proven himself to be someone who can develop individuals.

So, this is a potential transfer that could make a lot of sense for both clubs, although we all know that money talks, and it will ultimately be down to Bristol City to agree a fee.

Leyton Orient are right to demand a big sum for Ballard, as they recognise his potential, but a summer exit does feel inevitable, and it will be intriguing to see where he does end up, and what sort of fee they receive for the talented attacker, who is effectively under contract with the club until the summer of 2029.

Bristol City fans react to Dom Ballard transfer update

As outlined above, it has already been a positive window for the Robins, but if they do manage to seal a deal for Ballard, it would be another huge signing.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that these Bristol City fans were hoping the club would get this over the line…

Meanwhile, this Bristol City fan was equally pleased with the update, as he also praised the overall recruitment in the window so far.

However, this fan did question whether Ballard would be suited for Skubala's style of play.