Why Bristol City boss Dean Holden is relaxed about Famara Diedhiou's situation despite reported interest from Middlesbrough

City striker Famara Diedhiou has been linked with a move away from Ashton Gate, with Bristol Live reporting that Middlesbrough are interested in the forward.

Diedhiou, 28, will be out of contract at the end of the season and while talks have taken place over a new deal, the player is set to become a free agent in the summer.

When asked if there has been interest in any of his players ahead of City’s FA Cup game against Portsmouth this weekend, Holden told Bristol Live: “There’s always initial conversations going on from agents and things like that, 'would you let such and such a player leave?' It’s natural. It’s natural throughout the football season, not just in the window.

"There have been tentative enquiries on some of our players. But in terms of bids coming in, there’s nothing to report."

When pressed on Diedhiou’s situation and the prospect of losing the striker, Holden said that Robins chief executive Mark Ashton has held talks with Diedhiou and the player’s representatives.

"That’s just natural when contracts run down,” Holden replied.

"Mark’s very experienced at that and he’s in talks with Famara and his agent and has good relationships with them.

"I’m relaxed about it. There’s no news on that."

Diedhiou has been City’s top scorer over the past two seasons and was named the club’s player of the season for the 2019/20 campaign.

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