Bristol City boss hints Freeman could be off to QPR

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson confirmed after leaving Luke Freeman out against Cardiff that the decision was taken because of doubts over the player’s future.

West London Sport recently revealed that QPR had made a move for the 24-year-old winger, whose Robins contract expires at the end of the season.

That offer was rejected and City have offered him a new deal, leaving Rangers to consider their options.

One of those options is to try to sign Freeman on a pre-contract agreement for the end of the season, as City have indicated that they do want to sell.

However, Johnson appeared to suggest after his team’s 3-2 home defeat against Cardiff that Freeman’s time at Ashton Gate could be up unless he agrees to sign a contract extension – and that a decision needs to be made soon.

Johnson told his club’s website that Freeman’s omission “had everything to do with the contract situation.”

He added: “The objective remains that we want Luke to stay and sign the contract, but there always comes a tipping point.

“Luke has two good clubs interested in him. One is closer to home; the other is one where he has made his name, improving year on year and where he is loved by the staff, players and fans.

“The contract remains there for him to sign but he hasn’t yet. In a derby I just felt that I couldn’t risk having anyone out there who may not have been committed.

“I’m not for one minute saying that Luke is not committed, but there’s clearly a lot going through his mind at the moment.

“We still live in hope that he’ll sign the contract but we can’t leave that on the table forever. We have to do what’s right for Bristol City first and foremost.

”He has to make a decision and do that reasonably quickly.”