Bristol City plotting 7-figure transfer swoop for USA international | OneFootball

The Robins are swooping for George Campbell in a bid to strengthen their back-line

Bristol City are making a move for CF Montréal centre-back George Campbell before the transfer window officially opens, according to reports.

The Robins look set to lose manager Liam Manning to Norwich City, with talks ongoing over a £800,000 move back to the home city of the 39-year-old, and that is despite the Canaries finishing below them in the Championship standings this past season.

Despite the fact they're looking likely to see Manning depart though, the City hierarchy are wasting no time when it comes to recruitment and trying to build on a sixth-placed finish in 2024-25, with their first move seemingly being made.

Bristol City set to swoop for USA international defender George Campbell

According to journalist Alex Crook of talkSPORT, Bristol City are making an approach for CF Montreal defender George Campbell, and that a deal will cost in the region of £1 million.

23-year-old Campbell, who has been capped just the once for the United States under Mauricio Pochettino, came through the Atlanta United youth system before going on to play 38 times for the Georgia-based outfit.

In December 2022, Campbell was traded to Canadian side Montreal, and he has been a regular at the heart of their defence for the past two full seasons, as well as the current MLS campaign that began in March, where he has already made 10 appearances.

Standing at 6ft 2in, Campbell is only contracted to Montreal until the end of 2025, although they hold a club option to extend that by a further year - they will have to consider a seven-figure offer from Bristol City though that is seemingly set to arrive at their door.

Bristol City had several solid defensive options this past season, with Rob Dickie, Luke McNally and Zak Vyner starting regularly under Manning.

The fact that the club see fit to try and add another one though perhaps indicate that Rob Atkinson, who was loaned out to Portsmouth during the mid-season transfer window, may be on his way out of Ashton Gate.

Atkinson really impressed at Pompey in what was a stint that some just saw as him getting some match action under his belt before returning to compete at City next season, but Campbell - if he arrives - will pose another potential road block to him getting game-time.

At 23 though, Campbell could be the future for Bristol City if they can agree a deal with the Candian side, and Atkinson would have no shortage of suitors for his services if he's up for sale.