Reading’s Andy Rinomhota is on Bristol City’s summer transfer window shortlist, with the Royals’ Zimbabwean defensive midfielder set to be available on a free transfer next month.
According to Bristol Live, Rinomhota is one of 14 first-team players out of contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and although Paul Ince was confirmed as new head coach this week to provide some sense of stability at the club, there is an increasing likelihood that he will end his seven years in Berkshire for a new challenge.
The 25-year-old has been offered a new deal by Reading but with finances tight he could secure a better financial package elsewhere, plus at a team more likely to be looking upwards in the Championship.
City are one of a number of clubs who have declared an interest in the all-action midfielder, who is one of several possible Robins options in that position, and although formal talks are yet to take place, discussions are anticipated before the end of the month.
Rinomhota possesses considerable experience having been a consistent presence in the Reading midfield over the last four seasons, making 139 appearances and impressing with his patient passing game and disruptive abilities when out of possession.
When asked about his contract situation earlier this month, he told BBC Radio Berkshire: “There are still a lot of things which can happen. I’m not too sure myself and I can’t really explain any more in any detail.
“That’s as much as I know. There are discussions with the club but it’s a bit back and forth but we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks. I’m not saying I’m definitely leaving or anything like that. I’ve been happy at Reading over the past five or six years, have really enjoyed my time here and one way or another I’m looking forward to see what happens.”
Born in Leeds, England to a Zimbabwean father and British mother Rinomhota is one of several England-based players who are being pursued by Zimbabwe as part of their initiative to tap into talent emerging from among the diaspora community.
The new shift has seen players such as Nottingham Forest ace Tendayi Darikwa, Wales-based defender Tendayi Darikwa, Plymouth Argyle’s Brendon Galloway, Luton Town striker Admiral Muskwe all featuring for the Warriors.