Liam Kelly: Bristol City agree deal for Kilmarnock midfielder

Bristol City have agreed to sign Kilmarnock midfielder Liam Kelly for an undisclosed fee.

Manager Derek McInnes said he hoped the deal would be completed before Saturday's game with Leicester City.

Scotland international Kelly, 22, has scored six goals in his last nine SPL appearances and is contracted at Kilmarnock until the summer.

Meanwhile, City have confirmed they have also put in a bid for Crawley defender Kyle McFadzean.

McInnes told BBC Radio Bristol that the club were "pushing hard to get a deal done" for the 25-year-old former Sheffield United and Alfreton centre-back, who has made 21 appearances so far this season, scoring three goals.

On the deal for Scottish midfielder Kelly, McInnes said: "I think his best years are ahead of him. I think he's a player that will bring something to us immediately, but also going forward.

"I think he's a young player that fits the type that we'd like to bring to the club and recruit.

"We've watched him at close quarters again this season and we feel his career is moving in the right direction."

Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels told BBC Scotland that the transfer would be around £200,000, including add-ons.

Shiels also indicated he was surprised higher-placed English clubs had not moved for Kelly.

"I don't want to be disrespectful to Bristol City, because they're a big club," he said. "But I would have thought there would have been other options that might have been more appealing to Liam."

The Northern Irishman also indicated he was keen to keep Gary Harkins, linked with a move to Dundee, at the club.

"Gary's a really good player, and I don't want to lose him," said Shiels.

"I'm sure he will want to continue his career with Kilmarnock."