This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

The pressure is on Bristol City manager Lee Johnson if he wishes to hold onto star midfielder and captain Josh Brownhill, with BristolLive reporting that the 23-year-old's recent form has alerted potential suitors in the Premier League.

Brownhill is out of contract next summer, so the options for the Robins are try and secure the midfielder to a new long-term deal, or risk losing him in January for a fee, or next summer on a free transfer.

So is it a surprise that Premier League clubs are interested in Brownhill and is he good enough for the English top flight?

We discuss..........

George Brookes

"Josh Brownhill is a very talented footballer and he's been one of the standout players for Bristol City so far this season.

"He's got plenty of experience in the Championship and could have what it takes to make the step up to the Premier League - so it perhaps shouldn't be surprising that he's attracting interested from the top flight.

"He's very good on the ball, has a good range of passing and isn't afraid to get stuck in on the pitch. He also scores goals and gets assists too.

"It would be a major blow for Bristol City to lose him, but there's a chance that he could be tempted by the chance to play in the Premier League."

Kris Smith

“I’m not at all surprised, as Brownhill has shown over the past few seasons that he is one of Bristol’s key players and would be very hard to replace.

“At 23-years-old, the Premier League sides would be signing a player who has a long time to continue improving from where he already is, while already being ready.

“Brownhill is also demonstrating experience beyond his years at Ashton Gate as he holds the captain’s armband for Lee Johnson’s side, in a team that is currently pushing for promotion or at least a play-off place.

“I think Brownhill’s time at Bristol has shown that he is ready for Premier League football and can make the jump up, especially with age on his side.”

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Toby Wilding

"I'm not altogether surprised by this.

"Brownhill is a really useful player at this level, and has he continues to show for Bristol City on a regular basis, he is someone who can make things happen when his side need him to most, meaning he is a more than useful asset.

"As a result, I do think it is inevitable that interest such as this was going to arise, considering he has been making that sort of impact for Bristol City for several years now, and with that in mind, he will surely be keen to make that next step up in his career sooner rather than later.

"Whether he is good enough or not feels like something that will only be determined when he actually makes the step up - whenever that may be - considering some of those to have made that move this season, have been somewhat more successful than others."