The Bristol City winger was linked with a move to Leeds United in January.
Lee Johnson has admitted that Leeds United-linked Callum O’Dowda may have been affected by the uncertainty surrounding his future at Bristol City.
O’Dowda was said to be on Leeds’ list of January wing targets, although it was a deal for Swansea City’s Daniel James that the Whites ultimately – and unsuccessfully – pursued.
The Republic of Ireland international was set to be a free agent this summer, but Bristol City moved quickly to exercise their one-year extension option.
Nevertheless, the Robins are keen to tie down O’Dowda to a longer-term contract, knowing they could be forced to cash in this summer – as was the case with three of their former players, Bobby Reid, Aden Flint and Joe Bryan in 2018.
But there has been no breakthrough as yet, while the 23-year-old has found himself substituted before the hour mark in each of Bristol City’s last two fixtures.
Asked about O’Dowda’s situation ahead of Leeds’ visit on Saturday, City boss Johnson told the Bristol Post: “Listen, it’s important we resolve the issue with Callum.
“I don’t know if there’s anything in the conscious or sub-conscious [affecting his current form] but the fact is at the moment he hasn’t signed.
“And it’s as simple as that. Any player has to perform well and perform those individual actions we require on and off the ball well.”
Should Leeds move for O’Dowda if he fails to extend his Bristol City contract?
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