Sources: Leyton Orient respond to second Bristol City offer for Dom Ballard
Leyton Orient have rejected a second bid from Bristol City in their pursuit to sign striker Dom Ballard, sources have told Football Insider.
The 21-year-old has established himself as a crucial part of Richie Wellens' squad and the boss is extremely reluctant to lose him in the summer transfer window.
Interest from Bristol City has grown after an impressive season in League One, where Ballard amassed 23 goals and five assists in 40 appearances.
The Robins are now prepared to offer him a step up into the Championship, with newly-appointed manager Michael Skubala keen to strengthen his squad.
Skubala witnessed Ballard's goalscoring prowess in person as the striker found the net during a 2-1 defeat against his title-winning Lincoln City side in April.
However, Leyton Orient are standing firm on their valuation and are hopeful of keeping the striker whose contract is set to run until 2028, placing them in a strong position.
Why are Bristol City interested in signing Ballard?
Bristol City's interest in Ballard comes as they have identified the addition of a new striker as their priority for the summer transfer window.
Emil Riis is currently the only senior striker on the books at Ashton Gate, but was able to find the net just nine times in 44 Championship appearances last season.
Ballard has been identified as a potential upgrade on their current options, while the 21-year-old can also provide a strong alternative to their number nine if he continues to struggle.
Plans are also being put in place to strengthen their squad overall, as they aim to build on what was ultimately a frustrating 12th-place finish despite a strong start to the season.
The Leyton Orient forward has emerged as their top target despite seeing two bids rebuffed, and they will now be forced to decide whether to continue their pursuit.
Can Leyton Orient hold on to their best players?
Ballard is not the only Leyton Orient star attracting interest this summer, with the club already pushed into selling one of their best players in this transfer window.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in June that Wigan were closing in on signing Sonny Perkins, who eventually made the move to Orient's League One rivals.
They are now at risk of losing his fellow attacker Ballard in what would be a significant blow to their plans for the new season and would significantly weaken their squad.
Perkins' move to Wigan is likely to have strengthened the club's resolve over Ballard's future, and while a step up to the Championship will prove tempting, they remain in a good position.
After finishing 11th in League One last time out, Orient are determined to prevent a slide down the table, and hope to keep their better players at the club.