Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has insisted that there is no truth in the reports linking striker Famara Diedhiou with a move away from the club. 

A report from Get French Football News had claimed that Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town were "actively involved in discussions" over signing the forward and that it was believed the Robins would look at offers between "£8m and £10m."

Diedhiou has scored 27 goals in 80 appearances for City since arriving from SCO Angers in the summer of 2017 and added 13 of those last season.

The Senegalese striker scored twice in the Robins' pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon last night and, speaking to the Bristol Post after the game, Johnson denied he would be leaving the club this summer.

He said: "I've seen a little bit of the media speculation but it's all news to me.

"Fam's really happy here and we're really happy with him. And I expect him to be here for a long time."

The 26-year-old had missed a few days of training in the first week of pre-season but the Robins boss explained that this was nothing to do with a potential exit.

He said: "I gave him two or three days extra because of some personal circumstances and I felt it was right that he stayed in Senegal with his family."

Verdict

The 26-year-old staying at Ashton Gate is good news but he should be looking to up his production this season.

Diedhiou's record over past two seasons is only decent and while he was the club's top scorer last season he is yet to find the net more than 13 times during a single Championship campaign.

If the Robins are to achieve their goal of promotion they will need the forward to up his goal tally in the season ahead or find a striker who can do that.

The Senegal international is a useful asset for Johnson to have and offers a more direct option than the other weapons at his disposal – Matty Taylor, Andi Weimann, and Antoine Semenyo.