Although Southend have yet to make a formal offer, they have already made contact with officials at Ashton Gate to express interest in the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international and will have to get a move on as other clubs are interested.
Out of contract at the end of last season, Richard been offered a new deal by City but he is keen to leave after failing to break into City's first-team squad last season, and the Championship club is prepared to listen to offers.
City chief executive Colin Sexstone today confirmed: "There has been interest from Southend United. "They called to ask about Richard Keogh, but that is as far as things have gone so far. We haven't received an offer."
Because Keogh has been offered a new contract and is not yet 24, City can seek a compensation fee from any buying club. Sexstone explained: "Richard may be out of contract, but we still retain his registration and we will want a fee should he move on."
Keogh's City career has stalled since he refused to sign a contract extension 12 months ago. He began last season in City's reserves before being farmed out to Huddersfield Town, where he spent a month on loan last autumn. The versatile defender was on the move again in December, spending two months on loan at League One promotion hopefuls Carlisle United. And he finished the season with Cheltenham Town, helping the Robins stave off the threat of relegation to the basement division after moving to Whaddon Road shortly before the deadline for loan signings in March.
Certainly Tilly was expressing caution; "Richard is someone we have enquired about signing for the football club," said the Blues boss. "That's as far as it's gone so far and we're waiting for Bristol City to get back to us with more news. It's very early days but he would be a good signing for us."
Carlisle boss John Ward was keen to take Keogh on a permanent basis, but the Cumbrians and City were unable to agree a fee, while Cheltenham manager Keith Downing did not have sufficient funds to table a bid, though this may change after the Gillespie sell.
There is no doubt we need another top class defender at the club and Keogh would seem to fit the bill. Whether this would be the beginning of the end of Paul Clarke we will have to see but, along with Tilly's quote that he is still interested in signing Charlie Mulgrew, this would certainly show some ambition on the transfer front that we have yet to see this summer.
One City fan made his feelings very clear in the local paper.
I feel nothing but disappointment for Richard Keogh. He was superb in our promotion season and it's a tragedy that he felt the need to agitate when he was on the verge of moving ahead of McCombe in the pecking order. I wish him luck with whatever club he goes to (but think City are right to demand a fee).
Other facts and figures about Richard:
Birthplace: Harlow, England
Date of Birth: 11/08/1986 (21)
Height: 6'2
Weight: 12st 0lbs