It has been revealed that Leyton Orient have turned down a £2.5 million bid from Bristol City for striker Dom Ballard.
News earlier in the week confirmed that the Robins had launched a move for the 21-year-old, with it being reported that Michael Skubala’s side are set to lodge an improved offer in the near future.
Figure Revealed
Now, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the Ashton Gate club submitted a £2.5 million offer for Ballard, who has frequently been tipped with a move away from Brisbane Road this summer.
Several sides have eyed a move for the ex-Southampton man, including a fellow East London side in West Ham United, who are facing their first season in the Championship in over a decade.
Orient have placed a steep transfer price tag on their star man, with Alan Nixon previously reporting that Richie Wellens’ side would command a similar fee to the £15 million that Birmingham City paid to Fulham in order to sign Jay Stansfield.
Playing 40 times in the third tier last season, Ballard stormed his way to the League One golden boot with 23 goals, playing a major role in helping the O’s avoid the drop back into League Two.
Bristol City have already moved to improve their forward ranks following the appointment of Lincoln City‘s Michael Skubala at the end of May, with Sam Greenwood joining for an undisclosed fee as support for Emil Riis Jakobsen.
They have been touted with other options to lead the line this window, with Football Lowdown exclusively reporting that Joe Taylor was also of interest to the Robins.
Baseline Figure Established
With Leyton Orient demanding a massive £15 million fee for their star man, it seems that Bristol City’s opening offer has been lodged to try and establish future negotiations.
Dom Ballard is certainly a striker with tons of potential and deserving of a step up into the Championship, but many sides are sure to baulk at such a high price tag, meaning that it is certain that some talks between the club and other suitors are to take place to reach an acceptable amount.
City are still in a commanding position to strike a deal for their main target this window, with their transfer rivals set to have plenty of headaches to try and secure their man.
For Swansea City, there is likely still uncertainty as to whether Zan Vipotnik will move on before the season starts, meaning a move could come too late for them should the Slovenian move on.
West Ham United may have to face a much more hardline stance from Orient if they plunge into the bidding, with the League One club knowing that the Hammers have just received a £85 million fee for Mateus Fernandes.
