Derby defender in discussions with Bristol City
Bristol City are close to capturing Derby County defender Lewin Nyatanga.
-
Derby defender Lewin Nyatanga tangles with Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard
The 20-year-old Welsh international was at Ashton Gate today for talks with Robins manager Gary Johnson.
Championship rivals Derby have accepted a bid, believed to be in the region of £500,000, and it now remains for the player to agree terms and pass a medical.
Ashton Gate officials are confident the deal will be done by close of business.
Bristol City boss Johnson has made no secret of his desire to bolster his back four and has identified the acquisition of a new centre-back as a priority.
Deployed as a left-back earlier in his career, Nyatanga prefers to play in the middle, a role he filled in 14 of Derby’s final 15 games last season.
But Rams boss Nigel Clough has no shortage of defensive cover and is prepared to move Nyatanga out in order to fund new arrivals. He is reported to have lined-up Blackpool’s Shaun Barker as a replacement.
Despite his youth, Nyatanga is already an established Championship campaigner, having made 76 appearances for the Rams, including 67 starts, since making his debut as a 16-year-old.
He also impressed during a loan spell at Barnsley two seasons ago, but as a left-back rather than as a centre-half.
Johnson wants the Burton-born defender to provide competition for centre-backs Jamie McCombe, Louis Carey and Liam Fontaine.
4 Comments
by andy cappell, Midsomer Norton
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 5:29AM
“Money well spent , good proven squad player,”
by Marc, Wiltshire
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 5:46PM
“The squad is starting to look fairly decent and by all accounts this trialist Alexei Eremenko also looks good, hopefully we can also bag him for competition on the middle and then we should be set for next season. The only type missing is a big lump up front to replace Adebola. Akinde is a possibly but still a little too raw to start week in week out and Gary isn't renowned for blooding the youngsters
The hard work now starts which is Gary finding the right formation and sticking the right people in their best postions and being a little more brave next season and go at side from the off rather than trying to nick a goal and defend it.
I'm looking forward to the Ajax match tomorrow to have a butchers at the new players.”
by Red, Real world
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 11:41AM
“Can't wait for next season.
Well done Gary”
by CityPete, bristol
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 11:13AM
“Now this would be good money spent. If we can get him and sign the finnish russian with our other new signings we would have a good squad for season ahead.”