Hartley Can Leave On A Free

Paul Hartley will be allowed to leave Ashton Gate on a free transfer after he had a meeting with manager Steve Coppell.

The veteran midfielder is attracting interest from Scottish Premier League clubs Aberdeen and Hearts, but so far neither club have been in contact with City with a formal approach, but both have been in touch with the player’s agent.

But with the 33-year-old eager to return north of the border to be closer to his family, Coppell left him out of City’s pre-season tour of Sweden so the player could plan his future.

Even though Aberdeen are interested, Hearts look to be the favourites to re-sign their former skipper who has one-year left on his deal with City.