Robins on trail of Spurs ace

City boss Gary Johnson has joined the battle to sign out-of-favour Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly on loan, according to reports.

Birmingham and Sheffield United have both been linked with the unsettled Spurs player over the last month and Johnson is now said to be keen on bringing him to Ashton Gate.

The Robins manager is eager to strengthen his squad and was forced into several changes for the 2-2 draw with Plymouth on Tuesday night, with Marvin Elliott, Louis Carey and Michael McIndoe all failing fitness tests on the morning of the game - while Nicky Maynard was forced off at half-time.

"There will be a few back for Sheffield United," said Johnson. "Marvin, Louis and Macca are all great lads and they want to play with injuries - but we had to make a decision.

"We thought Maynard could come through, but even he had to come off in the end."