Bristol City advancing in transfer deal for Plymouth Argyle star | OneFootball

Bristol City are reportedly in advanced talks over a deal for Plymouth Argyle midfielder Adam Randell

Bristol City are in "advanced talks" over a deal to acquire Plymouth Argyle midfielder Adam Randell, with the Robins closing in on the appointment of Gerhard Struber.

According to a report published by Football Insider, the Robins have entered advanced discussions with a view to completing a deal for Randell in the not-too-distant future as they look to build upon last season's play-off semi-final exit at the hands of Sheffield United and remain in the top-six picture under ex-Barnsley boss Struber, who is poised to succeed Liam Manning at Ashton Gate following his departure to Championship rivals Norwich City.

The 48-year-old's appointment is set to be officially confirmed this week, and it appears as though the Robins are intent on making Randell the very first signing of the Struber era in BS3.

Bristol City's transfer interest in Plymouth Argyle's Adam Randell

As per the aforementioned report, Bristol City are described as being in "advanced talks" for Randell's signature, with Plymouth naturally susceptible to losing the in-demand midfield man after suffering relegation to League One at the end of the previous campaign.

For the time being, it is unclear exactly how much it may take to prise Randell away from Home Park, although the Pilgrims academy product has just twelve months remaining on his current contract and Tom Cleverley's side could be forced into sanctioning a sale this summer in order to avoid the risk of potentially losing his services for nothing next year.

A graduate of Plymouth's youth system, Randell has been a first-team regular for the past four seasons after enjoying a successful loan stint with Torquay United in the 2020/21 campaign. He played a key role in their 2022/23 League One title-winning campaign and has since proven his worth at Championship level, clocking up 39 appearances in the season just gone while captaining the side on a number of occasions.

The 24-year-old would undoubtedly form a crucial part of Cleverley's plans after taking over from Miron Muslic, although Plymouth's chances of retaining his signature in English football's third-tier are now looking increasingly slim.

Plymouth Argyle's Adam Randell could be a shrewd signing for Bristol City

This could be yet another shrewd piece of business from Bristol City, who have displayed an ability to complete a number of cost-effective, sensible yet effective deals on a modest playing budget in recent years.

At 24, Randell has already established himself as a capable operator in the Championship and has potential resale value further down the line, which aligns with the Robins' strategy of recruiting and developing talent at a fairly-low cost with the view of eventually netting a profit.

Although it's not stated just how much they will have to fork out for the midfielder, his contractual situation means they should expect to pull off the deal at a fair price.

Randell, of course, would face no shortage of competition in the midfield engine room, in which former Derby County duo Max Bird and Jason Knight both starred last time out, while he would also find himself wrestling for a berth with seasoned midfielder Joe Williams, but his arrival could give Struber impressive strength in depth at the very least.