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...
Bristol City have been named amongst the host of Championship clubs chasing a deal for Coventry City midfielder Zain Westbrooke.
Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre (06/01, 10:55) credited the Robins with an interest, whilst Cardiff City and Nottingham Forest are amongst the others to be reportedly keen.
Westbrooke has scored four goals from midfield this season in League One, but would he be a good addition for Lee Johnson at Ashton Gate?
We discuss…
Alfie Burns
“Westbrooke has been in good form this season for Coventry, and four goals from midfield is a decent return at this stage of the campaign.
“Whether he’s got it about him to step up straight away and make the same impact in the Championship remains to be seen, but at 23, he’s got a good chance of progressing.
“Lee Johnson is very good at giving this type of player a chance to make that adaptation in the Championship.
“Given the apparent battle to sign him, you can’t help but feel the Robins would benefit from winning this race.”
George Brooks
"Westbrooke is a good player and his performances for Coventry City so far this season have been very promising. There's room for improvement physically, but technically he's very good. He has a great range of passing and he's also scored four goals this season.
"He's showing signs of real promise and it seems as though it's only a matter of time before he makes the step up to the Championship.
"He'll be determined to prove that he belongs at that level and he could be a good signing for Bristol City, but I can't see him starting too many games for the Robins should he make the most to Ashton Gate.
"Bristol City are hoping to challenge for promotion this season and giving that Westbrooke has hardly any experience in the Championship, I can't see him starting many games for the Robins in midfield ahead of the likes of Josh Brownhill for example.
"He's got a lot of potential though and could be a decent signing for the future."
Phil Spencer
“It’s no surprise to see Zain Westbrooke attracting attention.
“The midfielder has been a key part of Coventry City’s success so far this term after playing a part in eight goals.
“Bristol City have had a mixed season so far this term and the prospect of signing a 23-year-old who is very much in the upward curve of his career could be appealing.
“Whether he is ready to come straight into Lee Johnson’s side remains to be seen, but Westbrooke will certainly be playing in the Championship sooner rather than later.
“Valued at around £2million, the signing of the midfielder could be a decent piece of business for the Robins.”