Athletic linked with swoop for exciting Bristol wide-man Smith

Athletic will host Preston on July 28

Athletic have been linked with a loan swoop for Bristol City winger Jonny Smith, who has attracted interest from a number of League One and League Two clubs.

It’s been reported that AFC Wimbledon, Bury, Cambridge United and Athletic are all hoping to take the exciting wide-man on loan next season as they look to strengthen their squads.

Twenty-year-old Smith spent last season on loan at National League side Fylde, where he caught the eye with 10 goals and nine assists in 48 appearances.

A step up to League One or League Two would be the logical step in his development.

Smith is not currently part of Bristol’s former Athletic boss Lee Johnson’s first team plans at present, so the Ashton Gate club are willing to loan him out again this summer.

The skilful forward, who joined Bristol City in May 2016 from Wrexham, has yet to make his first-team debut for the Robins having spent time on loan at Cheltenham as well as Fylde.

He is known to be highly-regarded by Robins boss Johnson.

Johnson feels the Englishman would benefit by going out on loan again next season to a Football League club to continue his development before heading back to challenge for a first-team spot at Ashton Gate.

Meanwhile, Athletic will welcome Championship side Preston North End to Boundary Park for a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 28 (3pm kick-off).

The original fixture which was due to be played on this date has been rescheduled, so Athletic will now travel to Broadhurst Park to face FC United of Manchester on July 17 (7.45pm kick-off).

The friendly against Radcliffe FC which was due to take place on Saturday, July 14, has now been cancelled.

Ticket details for the match against Preston will be announced in due course.