Johnson Admits He Needs Quick Decision From Freeman

The winger is out of contract in the summer and has been the subject of interest from another club.

City have offered Freeman a “very good contract” according to the head coach, but still he hasn’t put pen to paper.

Johnson told Bristol City Player HD that Freeman’s absence from the squad for the 3-2 home defeat to Cardiff City “had everything to do with the contract situation”.

He added: “The objective remains that we want Luke to stay and sign the contract, but there always comes a tipping point.

“Luke has two good clubs interested in him. One is closer to home; the other is one where he has made his name, improving year on year and where he is loved by the staff, players and fans.

“The contract remains there for him to sign but he hasn’t yet. In a derby I just felt that I couldn’t risk having anyone out there who may not have been committed.

“I’m not for one minute saying that Luke is not committed, but there’s clearly a lot going through his mind at the moment.

“We still live in hope that he’ll sign the contract but we can’t leave that on the table forever. We have to do what’s right for Bristol City first and foremost.

”He has to make a decision and do that reasonably quickly.”