Bristol City have triggered the one year extension option in Republic of Ireland international Callum O'Dowda's contract, with the winger reportedly drawing interest from Leeds United.
The Championship table toppers have been linked with O'Dowda in recent days, with Marcelo Bielsa keen to bring in an option out wide during the January transfer window. The Yorkshire Evening Post are reporting that the clause will see his contract extended to the the summer of 2020, with his deal previously set to expire at the end of the season.
While this may indicate the club's desire to hang onto the player, the cynic in you would suggest this move was made to bump up any potential transfer fee that the club may receive.
After a slow start to the season that saw him in and out of the team, O'Dowda has been in excellent form in recent weeks. This cracking strike against Norwich City seemed to be the catalyst to turn around his season, and he has not really looked back since.
Leeds' main target this month is believed to be Swanse City's Daniel James, but 23-year old O'Dowda is next in line should a deal fail to materialise with the Welsh side. It would certainly be positive to see an Irish player move to the best team in the league, as long as he receives enough playing time.
Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the player in the media today, with former Ireland boss Martin O'Neill a big fan of the player. He handed O'Dowda his international debut against Belarus in May 2016, going on to win 15 caps under his tutelage.
The winger was handed an even bigger role towards the end of O'Neill's tenure, starting in a number of key games. It is unclear how strong Forest's interest is at the moment, but they are also seeking to strengthen as they make a push for a play-off place.
