Cardiff City are reportedly interested in free agent Callum O’Dowda.

Irish winger Callum O’Dowda may soon have a new home after his contract with Bristol City expires.

The 27-year-old was released by the Robins on Monday night after six seasons at Ashton Gate, but is expected to remain in the EFL Championship next season.

According to the Bristol Post, seven clubs are pursuing his signing, with Cardiff City looking like favorites at the moment.

O’Dowda has been limited to sixteen starts this season as injuries once again hampered his progress under Nigel Pearson.

Departure of Irish international Callum O’Dowda #BristolCity on a free transfer. O’Dowda leaves after five years at the club and 160 league appearances. Championship of interest elsewhere in him. Good luck to the Irish winger. 👍☘️ pic.twitter.com/I0jeJbF2W1

— Gregor MacGregor (@GeeMacGee) May 16, 2022

Nigel Pearson at the O’Dowda exit.

Earlier this week Bristol announced the signing of Irishman Mark Sykes from O’Dowda’s former club Oxford and, although the 24-year-old mainly plays in central midfield, he can also operate in left.

So it’s possible that Sykes will prove to be a direct replacement for the Ireland international by following in his footsteps.

Explaining his reasons for releasing O’Dowda, former Leicester boss Pearson, however, was tight-lipped, saying simply “It’s just time for a change”.

“I think Callum has been here for six years. It accompanies our best wishes. He’s a very good boy, but it’s time for a change.

“It is time to change direction. It’s that simple.”

O’Dowda has managed to make 155 Championship appearances since signing for Bristol in 2016 and hopes to add to that number next season, albeit with a different club.

Cardiff City target Callum O’Dowda.

O’Dowda qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather Brendan and made his debut for the Boys in Green in 2016 against Belarus at Turner’s Cross.

The free agent has featured for Ireland on 23 occasions, his last appearance against Wales in the 2020 UEFA Nations League.

Despite his frustrating injury record, O’Dowda has started three times under Stephen Kenny to date and is regularly checked by the Dubliner.

“He’s kind of a potentially versatile player,” Kenny said last month. “He can play at left-back, he’s played that a bit with Bristol this year.

“We probably see him as a top-three southpaw, but he can also play on the right.

“He’s a good player, Callum, but obviously he just needs to play games.”

For all the latest Irish transfers this summer, be sure to check out our Kenny Children’s Transfer Centre.

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