With Bristol City manager Lee Johnson looking to bolster his squad ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign, it is not at all surprising that he has already been linked with a move for a tremendously experienced goalkeeper.

According to BristolLive, the Robins are reportedly closing in on a deal to bring in Colchester United shot-stopper Rene Gilmartin who is out of contract this summer and therefore available on a free transfer.

If this is indeed true, it is imperative that Johnson considers both the positives and the negatives that the 32-year-old could have on the club's fortunes next summer before committing to a move.

Keeping this in mind, here are two pros as well as two cons to the Robins signing Gilmartin based on his career to date...

Pros

He would be a great replacement for Frank Fielding

Having released Frank Fielding following an injury-hit campaign for the keeper, City are in need of a solid back-up option to Max O'Leary and so bringing in Gilmartin could turn out to be a great idea by Johnson.

A solid operator, the Irishman filled in admirably for Colchester last season as he kept nine clean sheets in 22 games in League Two and therefore could quite easily thrive in a similar role at Ashton Gate if given the chance.

He could offer some real wisdom in the dressing room

Whereas it is safe to say that Gilmartin hasn't had the most glittering of careers on the pitch, his willingness to learn whilst off of it could end up being extremely beneficial for the Robins next season.

Currently a player-coach at Colchester, the former Watford ace could use his wisdom to help fellow keeper O'Leary to develop into a fantastic shot-stopper over the coming years.

Cons

He would not offer any serious competition to O'Leary

After emerging as the Robins' first-choice keeper during the latter stages of the 2018/19 campaign, O'Leary is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup next season.

Yet despite showing real signs of promise in recent months, it could be argued that the 22-year-old may end up suffering as a result of a lack of competition from Gilmartin who has not shown any signs during his career of being good enough to play at Championship level.

Signing him would hardly fill the club's supporters with excitement

Although it would be naive to suggest that City should splash the cash irrationally to please their supporters, signing Gilmartin is hardly going to send shivers down the spines of their Championship opponents.

If the Robins are serious about building on their eighth place finish last season, they simply have to be looking at bringing in players who can take them to the next level rather than wasting their time on journeymen.