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Page last updated at 08:35 GMT, Thursday, 23 July 2009 09:35 UK

Bristol City keep tabs on Lejsal

John Akinde
Akinde scored the opener against non-league Dorchester

Bristol City are to keep Martin Lejsal on trial as they step up their search for a replacement for Adriano Basso.

The 26-year-old Czech Republic keeper, who is under contract at Brno in his homeland, played in the 2-1 pre-season friendly victory against Dorchester.

A John Akinde goal and a Danny Haynes penalty helped City see off Dorchester, who pulled one back through Phil Walsh.

And manager Gary Johnson plans to have another look at Lejsal in the weekend tune-up against Wolves.

Johnson's priority is to find bring in a new goalkeeper to challenge Dean Gerken and Stephen Henderson after Basso's surprise decision to leave the club.

Lejsal would command a fee if City opted to sign him, but the club favour a season-long loan with an option to buy.

Johnson told the club's website: "Martin did everything he needed to well. But he didn't have a great deal to do, so we'll have to pepper him in training and maybe look at him against Wolves.

"He certainly looks the part and he's a big player out in the Czech Republic. We need to give him every opportunity."

Johnson also dismissed reports linking the club with a 12-month loan move for Wolves left back George Friend - "I didn't phone a Friend" - but is looking to supplement his options elsewhere in the squad.

"We've got one or two irons in the fire," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"They're not imminent. We're talking and we feel we want to keep adding to our golf bag. We're trying to get enough different types of players so that any tactics we've got to play against opposition we've got it here at our club."



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see also
Johnson starts search for new goalkeeper
22 Jul 09 |  Bristol City
Bristol City transfer-list Basso
21 Jul 09 |  Bristol City


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