Bristol City to attempt late deal for Chelsea youngster

Bristol City are exploring the possibility of a late loan move for Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu following the loan departure of captain Bailey Wright, according to reports.

Ampadu, 19, is currently on loan at Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig but has struggled to force his way into the starting 11, playing a total of 157 minutes in five appearances in all competitions this season.

The Wales international came through the ranks at Exeter City, where he subsequently earned 8 first-team appearances before signing for Chelsea in 2017.

But his lack of game time has alerted several clubs, with City reportedly keen to secure the signature of the youngster before the transfer window shuts on Friday.

The Robins have recently sent captain Wright on loan to Sunderland, and are now looking to bring in a defender as another option for Lee Johnson.

The Bristol City boss also has good relations with Leipzig having spent time out there on a fact-finding mission, and is close to the Bundesliga side’s head of recruitment Paul Mitchell.

However, the Championship side may struggle to lure the defender to Ashton Gate as the Bundesliga side made their stance clear in November 2019.

“A premature return is not an option,” RB Leipzig’s Chairman Oliver Mintzlaff told German outlet Bild regarding Ampadu.

He added: “[RB Leipzip head coach] Julian Nagelsmann will continue to develop Ethan in training so that he will certainly get his time in this long season.”

Johnson remains hopeful of signing the defender on loan as his game time hasn’t increased since November.