Coventry City and Watford handed Bristol City boost in Premier League pursuit | OneFootball

Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson has played down links to 19-year-old Manchester City defender Finley Burns – in a boost to Coventry City and Watford‘s hopes to signing him this month.

The Robins do look a centre-back short, with midfielders and full-backs regularly drafted into the back three due to injuries, and have got the seventh-worst defensive record in the Championship this season.

They look likely to target a defender this month, particularly with Timm Klose told he is free to leave the club, and were linked with a move for Burns yesterday.

However, Pearson has told Bristol Live’s Rich Forrester that there is nothing in the links between City and the teenage centre-back.

That admission looks like a boost for Coventry and Watford, who are the two other clubs that Football Insider has reported are circling Burns.

Man City are said to be open to letting the 6ft5 defender, who had an unsuccessful spell at Swansea City in the second half of last season, leave on loan this month.

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The Verdict

Given their defensive struggles over the past few years, it would not be a surprise to see Pearson target a centre-back this month but it appears Burns is not one that will be arriving at Ashton Gate.

The 19-year-old struggled at Swansea in the second half of last and there is no guarantee that he’s ready to make an impact at Championship level now so it might be wise to look to bring in a more established player.

City’s stance is a boost for both Coventry and Watford as it clears the path for them to make a move for Burns this month.

It’s an evolving situation to keep an eye on as we head deeper into the winter window.