Bristol City are close to making their first senior summer signing of the transfer window with Rene Gilmartin lined up to join the Robins.
According to BristolLive 's sources, the Colchester United goalkeeper is a major transfer target for Lee Johnson's side as City reinforce their options in goal - and even add another potential coach to their staff.
Gilmartin, 32, is out of contract having played 24 times last season for John McGreal's League Two outfit, who challenged for a play-off spot but eventually finished eighth. He kept nine clean sheets in 22 league games last campaign.
The U's have offered Gilmartin a new deal, but instead we can reveal that the shot-stopper is heading to BS3.
Gilmartin has played for Walsall, Watford and Hednesford Town and is no stranger to the West Country having also spent time at Yeovil Town and Plymouth Argyle.
The 6ft 5ins keeper had three years with the Hornets in the Premier League without making an appearance from 2014-17, before he went on to join Colchester United in a player-coach capacity - something that will appeal to Johnson and his coaching staff.
The Robins announced on Friday that ex-Forest Green staff member Pat Mountain was to take over from David Coles as the squad's new goalkeeper coach, and Gilmartin would be able to fulfil a dual role if Johnson is keen: providing back-up in the nets but also as another senior voice in the dressing room and someone else able to help starlet Max O'Leary fulfil his potential.
The former St Patrick's Athletic player has already undertaken his coaching badges and has also even commentated for local BBC Radio on Colchester matches, an indication of his commitment to the game, respect and good character.
Gilmartin ticks all the boxes for City: a physical specimen, able to play, a good presence around the squad and also someone who will add to the culture carefully put in place by CEO Mark Ashton and Johnson two years ago.
Gilmartin is a former Republic of Ireland U21 and U19 goalkeeper and he will compete with recent Republic of Ireland call-up O'Leary next season, as well as the more experienced Niki Maenpaa.
Bristol City also remain in talks with the U's over the transfer of Sammie Szmodics, according to our sources.
The attacking midfielder is also out of contract but the Essex-based club are entitled to compensation as Szmodics is 23 years old.
The Robins continue to chase other transfer targets and hope to tie up other deals imminently.
