Bristol City 'target' AFC Bournemouth assistant manager Tommy Elphick as Portsmouth boss John Mousinho looks out of Ashton Gate running

Tommy Elphick has been ‘targeted’ by Bristol City to become their next manager.

That’s according to The Telegraph, who are reporting the AFC Bournemouth assistant manager is now one of only two candidates the Ashton Gate outfit are now considering for the role that has been vacant since Gerhard Struber’s dismissal in March.

The same report claims Lincoln boss Michael Skubala is the other contender under consideration by the Robins, who have also been credited with an admiration for Pompey head coach John Mousinho.

Mousinho has been linked with the established Championship outfit after guiding the Blues to second tier safety for a second season in a row with one of the division’s lowest playing budgets,

However, twice Blues chief executive Andy Cullen has said no approach has been received for the 40-year-old.

Speculation regarding Mousinho’s Fratton Park future has continued despite that information.

Yet, it appears the likelihood of the former Oxford United defender moving to Ashton Gate is receding fast given this latest development in the Bristol City managerial saga.

According to the Telegraph, Elphick is being pursued as the Robins admire the work he has done to help the Cherries secure European football next season under current manager Andoni Iraola, who is leaving the Vitality Stadium at the end of the season.

The 38-year-old former Brighton and Bournemouth centre-back has been part of the first-team coaching set-up at the Vitality Stadium after being promoted from a development squad coaching role by ex-Pompey midfielder Gary O’Neil in 2022.

Elphick’s name appeared high up the betting earlier this week, before the market was suspended.

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