No decision will be made on the future of Bristol City midfielder Callum O'Dowda until the club return to the UK from their pre-season tour next week, with the Robins still not ruling out keeping the Irishman at Ashton Gate, The Bristol Post have reported.

O'Dowda is entering the final year of his contract at Bristol City, and with no sign of a new deal to extend his stay at Ashton Gate on the horizon, the midfielder has recently been linked with a departure from the club.

It has been reported by Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (15/07, 18:46)  that Fulham are interested in a move for the 24-year-old, who is reportedly valued at £8million by the Robins.

Any move, however, will have to wait for now, as O'Dowda is currently part of the Bristol City on pre-season tour in the USA, and played a part in the Robins' 2-1 friendly defeat to Championship rivals Derby on Sunday.

It is also possible that the transfer may not happen at all, with the club apparently refusing to rule out the possibility of a new contract for O'Dowda as they look to secure on of their prised assets.

Since joining Bristol City from Oxford in the summer of 2016, O'Dowda has made a total of 102 appearances and scored seven goals in all competitions for the Robins.

The Verdict

This is an interesting one.

You feel that Fulham, with their parachute payments and money received from their time in the Premier League, should be able to afford a move for O'Dowda if they wish to make one.

It also seems as though the midfielder could be tempted to make the move to Craven Cottage, with a new deal at Ashton Gate seemingly unlikely and Fulham's potential to battle for promotion to the Premier League, making them an attractive option for the Irishman.

However, with no decision set to be made for some time yet, you wonder if Fulham may instead decide to pursue other targets, in order to get their business done sooner and give them as much time as possible to prepare for the coming campaign.