Exclusive: Bristol City respond to Stoke City's bid for Mark Sykes | OneFootball

The Robins have knocked back the Potters' first bid for Sykes

Bristol City have rejected Stoke City's opening bid for the services of midfielder Mark Sykes, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

The Potters have been pretty quiet on the transfer front in January so far, with boss Mark Robins in desparate need of versatile players that can play in both midfield and out wide, amid injury and form issues at the bet365 Stadium.

Bristol City man Sykes has, therefore, emerged as a possible target in recent days, but after making an official bid for his services with the February 3 deadline edging ever closer, FLW can reveal that Stoke's first approach has been knocked back, with the Robins reportedly keen to keep him at the club for the duration of the season.

Stoke's move for Sykes rejected by Bristol City

Stoke were first linked with interest in Sykes' signature by Sky Sports' Anthony Joseph last week, who claimed that they were keen on signing him this month, with the two clubs in talks over a move, and he followed up on his initial report yesterday, via X, and stated that the Potters had made an official bid for Sykes' services ahead of a potential move in the coming days.

The amount that Stoke put forward to sign the Republic of Ireland international is currently unclear, but they have clearly been unable to match Bristol City's valuation of his services as yet.