Aberdeen are keen to bring Bristol City forward Marley Watkins back to the club, according to Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (06/01, 23:19).

Watkins joined Aberdeen on loan in the summer, scoring two goals in a total of 13 appearances for Derek McInnes' side.

But after injuring his hamstring in November, Watkins returned to Bristol City after being ruled out of action for 10 weeks.

He's since yet to feature, and given his lack of game time at Ashton Gate before his move to Scotland, his future looks uncertain.

According to Sky Sports, Aberdeen are keen to bring Watkins back to the club on a permanent basis, rather than see another loan deal materialise.

Watkins' contract at Ashton Gate expires at the end of the season, and given that he is set to be out for longer than initially expected, a pre-contract agreement could be on the cards.

Watkins has scored three goals in 27 games for City since arriving from Norwich in 2018, and has failed to make a real impact at Ashton Gate.

The Verdict

This would be a good move for parties.

Watkins is 30 now, and he isn't likely to play a big part for Dean Holden's side when he eventually returns from his spell on the sidelines.

Aberdeen clearly rate the player highly, so a permanent move away could be a fresh start for him after disappointing spells at Norwich and Barnsley.

For Bristol City, it would be important to get his wages off the books as soon as possible.