Bristol City boss Gary Johnson was last night understood to be closing in on a deal to sign highly-rated Ebbsfleet United striker John Akinde. A host of clubs have been chasing Akinde's signature and Ebbsfleet confirmed yesterday that a bid had been tabled. I understand that City have won the race to sign Akinde, aged 19, after talks with Johnson at Ashton Gate yesterday. The teenager has scored two goals for the Kent club so far this season. One factor in the move has been the need for it to receive approval from Ebbsfleet's owners. The club is owned by fans who belong to the website www.myfootballclub.co.uk, who took over the club earlier this year. More than 20,000 members have an equal say in the club's decisions. But Akinde could be unveiled by City as early as this afternoon.
Bristol Evening Post

Ebbsfleet striker John Akinde could end up playing in the Championship, according to one of the clubs chasing his signature. The Fleet have asked the 30,000 MyFootballClub members to decide whether to accept a bid in excess of £140,000 for Akinde. But his destination may not be Peterborough as the rumour mill has suggested. Reports there suggest that the 19-year-old has been talking to Bristol City with an eye to a move to Ashton Gate.
Kent Online

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson is hoping to sign striker Jamie Scowcroft from Crystal Palace for £500,000 after Neil Warnock's swoop for Ipswich striker Alan Lee. Cash-conscious Warnock will allow the move if Scowcroft fancies it.
Mirror

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson has criticised the transfer window ahead of it closing on Monday September 1. Johnson can see no positives in the current system and believes it only serves to unsettle everyone concerned. The deadline for permanent deals is midnight on Monday, but Football League clubs are permitted to make emergency loan signings after this period. Johnson said: "There are always things bubbling, but I have said this before and I will say it again until I'm blue in the face, if anyone can tell me anything that's right about the current system them please do so."
Teamtalk