Cambridge United reportedly closing in on loan signing of Bristol City midfielder Josh Stokes

Cambridge United are closing in on the loan signing of Bristol City youngster Josh Stokes, according to the Bristol Post.

The 20-year-old attack-minded midfielder joined EFL Championship outfit City last January from Aldershot Town for a fee thought to be in the region of £250,000, before being instantly loaned back to the Vanarama National League side for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.

Stokes is believed to have caught the eye of a number of Football League scouting departments throughout last term, with his 48 appearances in all competitions yielding a return of 18 goals. One of those goals came in the Shots’ famous 7-4 victory over higher-league Swindon Town in the FA Cup.

Ultimately it was the Robins that won the race for his highly-sought after signature, with at least 30 clubs thought to have registered an interest.

Prior to linking up with Aldershot in the summer of 2023, Stokes had come through the youth ranks at AFC Sudbury – the same non-league club in which Liam Bennett spent some time before joining the U’s.

Then a teenager, Stokes – playing predominantly in a role on the right hand side of the attack – scored 16 goals in 45 outings during the 2022/23 season to help the Yellows on their way to winning the Pitching In Isthmian League North Division (Step 4) play-offs.

Speaking after sealing his move into the professional ranks with Aldershot, Stokes said: “I have dreamed of becoming a professional footballer for as long as I can remember. Now that it has come true, I realise that the work really begins.

“I completely have AFC Sudbury to thank. Being at the academy and getting into the men’s first team here has been the best time of my life.

“Thank you so much to all the staff, the volunteers and the supporters who have made this my second home. I will never turn my back on this club and will do all I can to support it as my career develops.”

Stokes has made one senior appearance for his parent club this term – coming off the bench in their 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Coventry City.