Bristol City have opened talks with Fulham over a potential loan move for Alfie Mawson, according to a Sky Sports report this evening.

The Robins are reportedly close to sealing a season-long loan deal for full back Steven Sessegnon and new manager Dean Holden is also keen to add options in central defence. Mawson, who has endured an injury-ravaged spell at Craven Cottage since signing from Swansea in August 2018, has plenty of suitors should the Whites be open to letting him leave, with Watford and QPR also keen on signing the 26 year-old.

Mawson struggled to overcome a knee injury that he had surgery on prior to joining Fulham. He found it difficult to establish himself in a struggling side and injured his knee again during the dramatic 1-0 win over Huddersfield in December 2019. He made just fifteen appearances as the Whites were relegated after just one season in the top flight and slowly slipped down Scott Parker’s pecking order last season after Michael Hector was brought in from Chelsea. He hasn’t made a first-team appearance since January.

Fulham signed the former England under-21 centre half for £20m and are apparently considering allowing him to leave on loan for regular first-team football as they search for defensive upgrades ahead of their opening game of the new campaign against Arsenal on September 12.