Bristol City midfielder Joe Williams is the subject of a fierce Championship pursuit as he continues to stall over signing a new contract at Ashton Gate, according to a report from the Bristol Post.
The 27-year-old has spent the last four years with Bristol City but with his contract set to expire next month, the battle for his signature continues as rival second-tier sides join the race.
How did Williams fair last season?
Under Liam Manning, Wiliams played a crucial role for Bristol City last season despite their failure to lodge a challenge for the play-off places.
In total, Williams made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Robins last season, providing six assists in the process including five in the Championship alone.
How important is the next few weeks?
According to the Bristol Post, Williams has been offered a competitive deal to stay at Ashton Gate this summer, but face strong competition from Championship rivals Preston North End amongst several other unnamed sides in the second tier.
The issue for Bristol City is that Preston are likely to be in the market for a midfielder due to the uncertainty surrounding their captain Alan Browne, amongst interest from Sheffield United and Coventry City (according to journalist Alan Nixon).
With Williams being born in Liverpool, a potential return to the North-West could prove to be an opportunity that is too difficult to turn down, which is why he is likely to take his time whilst considering his future at Bristol City.
Would Williams benefit by leaving Bristol City?
This summer will see Max Bird and Josh Stokes link up with Bristol City after the duo signed permanent deals in January before remaining with their former sides (Derby County and Aldershot Town) for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
Therefore, the competition for places in the Bristol City squad is likely to be at an all-time high (particularly in midfield), leaving Williams with a significant decision to make.
Moving to the North-West with Preston would move him closer to home but means he would have to up-root his life in Bristol to make that move happen whilst also bringing to an end his four-year stint at Ashton Gate.