Rangers are not the first side to dip their toes into one of British football’s most nourishing watering holes.
Since the turn of the year, Philippe Clement‘s side have reportedly shown an interest in one of the EFL’s most talented left-backs, and a striker who’s pace, movement and relentless endeavour has drawn comparisons to a young Jamie Vardy.
But if Bristol City hope to make Tommy Conway their latest big-money sale – following in the footsteps of Alex Scott, Antoine Semenyo, Jonathan Kodjia, Adam Webster and Lloyd Kelly – then the forward’s contract situation is understandably becoming a cause for real concern at Ashton Gate.
Rangers, Peter O’Rourke reports, are one of a number of clubs on both sides of the border keeping tabs on Conway, alongside his Bristol City team-mate Cameron Pring.
In truth, if Conway was to sign a new deal tomorrow, the Scotland Under 21 international would probably end up commanding the sort of fee beyond Rangers’ means. But as long as he’s still due to become a free agent in the summer of 2025, The Gers will remain hopeful of inserting themselves into the battle for a striker who’s already broken the 20-goal tally for league goals before his 22nd birthday.
Rangers like Bristol City striker Tommy Conway
“Talk about Tommy going? Tommy’s still got a year on his contract, so it has to be not just Tommy’s decision,” Robins boss Liam Manning tells the Bristol Post. “But if he decides (to leave), it has to work for the club as well. And while I’m here, the priority will always be looking after this football club.
“We’re doing everything we can to try and keep him. I think I’ve shown in how much I pick him, how well he’s doing and what I think of him. I said it the other day, he’s in the perfect place for his career where he’s going to get coached, he’s going to get stretched and he’s going to get opportunities.
“And I think, sometimes, players can look to jump too soon.”
Bristol City have established themselves over the years not only as excellent developers of young talent, but also a club who know when best to sell, especially from the player’s perspective. Brownhill, Kelly, Scott and Semenyo all departed for big fees, and made the step up pretty comfortably.
Conway, who dumped West Ham out of the FA Cup in a January giant-killing, has started 26 league games this season under Manning. Presuming Clement plans to stick with his lone-striker system, it’s difficult to imagine that starts will be quite so easy to come by at Rangers if Cyriel Dessers and Danilo both stick around.
Contract expires in 2025
“He’ll make his decision that he’s comfortable with. We, as a club, have made him (a contract) offer we think reflects what we think of him. I’d love him to stay and be a part of it,” the former West Ham youth coach adds.
“But, the key is, you want people who are here and all-in on what you’re going to do.”
It remains a mystery how much Bristol City would demand for Conway, who took his tally to the season to 12 against Rotherham United last time out.
Peter Grant, the Celtic legend and former Scotland midfielder, feels £7 million may be good value for a player of his potential and nose for goal.
