Exclusive: Bristol City backed to seal "big" new deal for £5m star | OneFootball

Nahki Wells is set to be out of contract at Ashton Gate this summer.

Bristol City striker Nahki Wells is set to be out of contract at Ashton Gate this summer.

The 34-year-old ended a run of six games without a goal when he doubled the Robins' lead against Norwich City on Friday night, as Liam Manning's side boosted their play-off hopes with victory over the Canaries.

Manning was full of praise for Wells in the aftermath of that 2-1 win, as per BristolLive, and revealed that discussions regarding the striker's future were ongoing.

"That's still ongoing behind the scenes," Manning said.

"He's had a fantastic season.

"I think he's the only one we've got over the age of 30 which is important as well.

"He's hugely instrumental in some of the stuff behind the scenes, keeping people on track, focused, holding people accountable, the personality he brings and the standard he sets.

"You only have to look at his physical condition to see how well he looks after himself.

"I'd keep him."

Lee Hendrie urges Bristol City to tie down Wells

Sky Sports pundit, Lee Hendrie, spoke exclusively to Football League World about Wells' contract situation, and revealed that he thinks the club should offer the forward fresh terms.

"Liam Manning has revealed that he is keen to get Nahki Wells on a new deal at Bristol City," Hendrie said.

"Nahki Wells is, and has been, brilliant for them over the seasons, even when he has not started. I think that has been the standout thing. When he has been called upon, he has produced in big games.

"Nahki Wells knows where the back of the net is. He is a very good squad player, to a certain extent, but he is also capable of being in that starting eleven week in, week out. He is one of those players that knows the club.

"Liam Manning obviously has high regard for him, so yes, keeping players like him, I think, will be so important for Bristol City. They have had a brilliant season under Liam Manning. He seems to be getting the best out of that squad of players that he has.

"With Nahki Wells, a new deal would certainly be a big thing for the club going forward."

Wells has been key for Bristol City

Since joining the club from Burnley for a fee of £5 million in January 2020, Wells has been a key player in the Championship for Bristol City.

The Bermuda international has made more than 200 appearances in the second tier for the Robins, highlighting his importance to the team over the last six seasons.

This season is the first in which Bristol City have mounted a serious push for the play-offs since Wells' arrival, so the striker will no doubt be desperate to help the club reach the Premier League for the first time.

Wells made nine cameo appearances in the top flight for Burnley, but he never scored a goal, and this could be his last opportunity to prove himself in the top division of English football.

He is four league goals away from registering his highest-scoring season for Bristol City, and if he is able to deliver in front of goal consistently between now and the end of the campaign, it will do the Robins' chances of finishing in the top six no harm whatsoever.