Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has revealed the club has an option to sign on-loan striker Alvaro Saborio on a permanent basis.

The Costa Rican is on loan from Swiss club Sion for the season and scored his first Robins goal in the 1-1 home draw with Scunthorpe United.

Johnson said: "We have been watching Alvaro for about 18 months. We know a lot about him.

"We tried to get him last year but they wanted £3million and that wasn't right at that time.

"But a year down the line sometimes they get more expensive and sometimes they get cheaper. He is still going to be (a signing that would need) a transfer fee because he is on loan, but we have got the option and we will see how he goes until the end of the season.

"We have already agreed a fee if both parties want to do it. I think he has got two years left on his contract there – this year and next year, so he isn't out of contract at the end of the year."

Saborio seems keen to make a long-term future at Ashton Gate.

He said: "I (would) like to stay here but this is the beginning of the (loan) contract. I need to demonstrate more for us."

Playing on a regular basis is a welcome change for the international after a tough time with Sion.

"I am feeling good because I had maybe one year when I didn't play regularly and I want to play more here," he said.

"I don't have a number I want to score. I just play the game and I hope to make goals every game."

Johnson believes his squad will soon be completely over the virus that has afflicted them since the summer.

"By Monday we should have a clean bill of health," he said.

"There is only Dean Gerken, Brian Wilson and Andre Blackman who still have it.

"In total I think we have had 12-14 of the squad who have picked up a pretty big virus from our time in Portugal in pre-season.

"A couple of young lads came back with it from Portugal – not blaming the Portuguese, but that is when it started. We have had to work hard to keep it down to a minimum."

Bristol City have a reserve game at home to Swindon Town tomorrow afternoon before they resume Championship action at Derby County on Saturday.

During the week there could be progress on goalkeeper Adriano Basso's future.

The Brazilian is currently in the team because of Gerken's illness but has not yet signed a new contract.

Johnson said: "The chairman (Steve Lansdown) has been away to Scotland on business.

"When he gets back I am sure that will be his first port of call."