Several clubs chasing Akinde

City striker Jon Akinde seems to be keeping his options open, after several clubs entered the race for his signature.

The 21-year-old was told he could leave Ashton Gate last month, after a fruitless loan spell across town with the Gas.

And it seemed the former Ebbsfleet forward was set to join Northampton earlier this week, only for Gillingham, Cheltenham, Dagenham and a few other unnamed clubs to join the chase.

“Northampton made an offer for John and it’s his prerogative where to go,” City boss Keith Millen told bcfc.co.uk. “There are a few other clubs who have expressed an interest.

“Talks are ongoing with other clubs. I’m not saying the Northampton one is dead and buried, but John has a decision to make where he wants to go and play his football.

“I’m trying to help John become a first-team regular somewhere and get his career going again.”

Millen also played down rumours that Akinde’s deal with Northampton collapsed due to highly-rated Cobblers midfielder Michael Jacobs rejecting a switch to BS3.

He added: “I don’t know where that’s come from. I haven’t had any discussions with Northampton about the lad.

“I know a number of clubs are looking at him and he’s quite highly-rated but he’s not someone we’re looking at.”