Bristol City have held talks with Adrian Mariappa, and are interested in signing the former Watford defender, according to Bristol City Live.

The 34-year-old centre-back has made more than 400 appearances in English football, with the majority of those coming for the Hornets, who he was released by at the end of last season following their relegation from the Premier League.

Mariappa was a product of Watford's Academy, spending seven seasons at Vicarage Road before enjoying brief spells at both Reading and then Crystal Palace.

He returned to Watford ahead of the 2016-2017 campaign and would become a regular during his second spell before he wasn't offered a new contract.

It means that is now a free agent Mariappa and can therefore be signed outside of the transfer window - with Bristol City one of a number of Championship clubs keen.

Bristol City Live believe that a move to bring the defender to Ashton Gate could be sealed in the coming days - with Mariappa allowed to leave international duty with Jamaica to sort a potential deal.

Think you’re a big Bristol City fan? Take our 18 question quiz to find out

The Verdict

Considering Bristol City have major injury problems at the heart of their defence with both Alfie Mawson and Nathan Baker facing long spells on the sidelines, this would be a really decent deal under the circumstances.

Mariappa is fit and available and would bring a wealth of experience, and if wages don't end up bring a barrier, it's a deal Dean Holden should be desperate to get over the line.