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Bristol City are not willing to let Kasey Palmer leave the Robins this month.

Head coach Lee Johnson dismissed any notion that City's no.45 could be on the move in January after we revealed on Friday that Swansea City are stepping up their chase for the talented playmaker.

Bristol Liveunderstands that Steve Cooper has spoken with Johnson over the possibility of taking the unsettled Palmer to the Liberty Stadium.

However, that possibility looks remote with the head coach instead playing then praising the former Chelsea man on Saturday. We asked Johnson for 'the truth' from his side after the revelations of the last few days.

"It's really, really simple: everybody at Bristol City wants nothing but the best for Kasey Palmer. Without question of a doubt," said Johnson.

(Image: Nizaam Jones/JMP)

"He's a fantastic talent and he's definitely going through a cycle that a lot of young players do.

"We've talked about it before where he hasn't got the mothership to return to and you've got to fight through what could be a lack of confidence or...

"I thought he did well today, considering that he hasn't played for a bit. His fitness is that he's not a natural flyer but he gave it a go.

"He received the ball well and he was strong on occasions. And he was two or three slidey balls away from having a really effective game in possession.

"We want the best for Kasey.

"Listen, he'll stay in. I know there's been rumour of him going out on loan - it's never an option for us. It's a case of hold the shirt. Get in the squad and hold the shirt and produce your best football," he said.

We asked if Max O'Leary would be staying at Shrewsbury Town for the rest of the season, not permitted to play in Saturday's game against his parent club, and it appears that the decision has been made to leave the City loanee where he is.

However, the City boss confirmed that Jojo Wollacott is to return from loan from Forest Green Rovers next week.

"We've got to assess all those options," explained Johnson.

"We've recalled Jojo Wollacott - so I believe that's happening - therefore it gives us an option to have another homegrown player on the bench," explained Johnson.

"There's been quite a few offers in for Semenyo and for some of our players who have been in and around it," he added.

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