GET THE LATEST ROBINS NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX SIGN UP Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Lee Johnson says Bristol City are not in Liverpool's good books at the moment.

Speaking after signing Tomas Kalas from Chelsea, the Robins boss explained he had been in conversation with a number of top clubs over potential loan moves.

Johnson says the Robins' reputation with clubs has been boosted after the success of Tammy Abraham's loan move from the Blues two seasons ago, alongside their swashbuckling Carabao Cup run last season in which they knocked out Manchester United before falling to Manchester City in the semi-finals.

He said: "I think this club has a good reputation with the top clubs - apart from probably with Liverpool at the moment, we're not in their good books - but as a general rule we've always looked after everybody's players and they've gone on to do well.

"Yeah so, I've had discussions with Manchester City over a number of players this summer and the catch 22 is always the asset. Particularly the forward players. Tammy was great for us but we're all still talking about him. He went 13-14 months ago and he signed a new contract as I've said.

"And this is the bit that's frustrating for me with the fans. Really I need to say 'come out of dreamland: he's signed for this amount per week and he's now played for England. We ain't getting him.

"We're getting him when he hasn't kicked a ball in the division. At that point we take the risk and we get the reward like we did. But you're right as what it does do is stand us in good stead moving onto the next one. There were a number of clubs in for Tomas and I was actually quite shocked that we actually got to the top of that pile. Credit to Tomas as he showed a keen desire to come, the agents, Chelsea and also Mark Ashton who did the deal and got it through our board and Chelsea's."

Liverpool's issue with the Robins could well stem from Ryan Kent's move to Ashton Gate last season.

The Robins took the winger on loan from Anfield in January, yet Kent made just 10 Championship appearances in a frustrating move that did not work for either party.

Liverpool subsequently issued a fine to the Robins over Kent's lack of game time - and the Reds' transfer policy has continued this season, with Celtic being one of a number of clubs put off moves for players due to the Anfield club's fine system.