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Sources: Lincoln, Tranmere and Salford in race to sign Bristol City defender Ryley Towler
A host of clubs have set their sights on signing Bristol City defender Ryley Towler on loan, Football Insider understands.
The 20-year-old is expected to leave Ashton Gate this summer to get regular first-team game time next season.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Forest Green Rovers, Lincoln City, Cheltenham Town, Morecambe, Salford and Tranmere have all expressed interest in signing the centre-half on loan.
Bristol City rate Towler very highly but they are happy to loan him out next season.
Staff at the club believe another temporary spell away from Ashton Gate would benefit the youngster and his development.
Bristol City will look to place their defender at a club where he will be guaranteed first-team football.
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Towler has two years remaining on his current contract.
Born in Bristol, Towler came through the ranks at the Robins’ academy.
On 10 February 2021, the left-footed centre-half made his debut for the club in an FA Cup tie against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
He has made four further appearances for Nigel Pearson’s side.
They have all come in the Championship with his most recent outing coming against Millwall last season.
Towler played 45 minutes of a 3-2 win over the Lions.
The English defender spent the first half of the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Grimsby Town in the National League.
He made 13 appearances for the club before returning to Ashton Gate in January.
In other news, a source has revealed Stoke City and Preston North End are in a race to sign Josh Edwards as asking price revealed.