A number of League One clubs have enquired about signing Bristol City attacking midfielder Josh Stokes on loan, according to Bristol Live.
One of those is believed to be Crawley Town, who are hoping to build on their successful start to the season by adding the 20-year-old, who joined The Robins for £250,000 in January.
Stokes may find his game time limited at Ashton Gate with the arrival of George Earthy and Scott Twine, which has prompted Liam Manning to investigate a loan for the youngster to continue his development.
Stokes was playing in the eighth tier with AFC Sudbury a little over a year ago but has had a swift rise to the Championship. After coming through Ipswich’s academy, he was let go at 16 and joined Sudbury. His form at King’s Marsh caught the eye of Aldershot, and he signed for an undisclosed fee.
After 16 goals in 31 games, he was picked up by Bristol City but loaned back to Aldershot. There was hope he would climb into the first team this season, but he’s now down the pecking order in Manning’s squad, and they’re eager for him to get some first-team football.
When quizzed a week ago by Bristol Live, Manning was asked if he intended to loan Stokes out before the window closed. “Possibly, we’re not ruling anything out or committing to anything,” he replied. “As you know, we’re working hard in the market, it’s one of those where depending on what that looks like will determine some of the decisions down the line. He’s very much part of it at the minute, but might that change? Possibly in the next two-and-a-half weeks.”
Crawley are by no means the only League One side looking at Stokes, but they are considered to be among the front-runners. It’s believed they were one of the sides eager to sign him when he left the Shots, and that interest hasn’t waned.
Manager Scott Lindsay has had an impressive start to the season, picking up maximum points from games against Blackpool and Cambridge, despite being many pundit’s favourites for the drop.
Writer’s View
This could be a huge capture for the newly-promoted side. Stokes showed massive promise at Aldershot, and even if he is allowed to leave Ashton Gate, it will only be temporary as they see him as having a big future.
The big question would be where he could play for the Red Devils. They play a 3-4-3, which doesn’t usually encompass a natural 10, which is Stokes’ role. He might be asked to play a little deeper, vying for a spot with Max Anderson, Jay Williams, and Carn Bragg, but he might offer more penetration from deep.
It might also be that another League One side, one operating in something like a 3-5-2 with a more natural role for a ‘ten’ could be considered. Bristol City may wish to keep him closer to home for monitoring, which could mean the likes of Exeter, with Jack Aitchinson and Pedro Borges playing the ‘ten’ role in a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1, could be interested.
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