Welcome to Saturday's live blog as Bristol City continue their search for quality additions to the squad.
Yesterday we revealed how the Robins are set to play Derby County this summer in the US as well as are on the verge of signing a goalkeeper.
We understand that the club have lined up a move for Colchester United's Rene Gilmartin who is out of contract this summer and will add depth to City's stock of goalkeepers.
The Robins wish to bring in a forward player this summer and we also understand that the club have an interest in an Arsenal starlet, if the Gunners can be persuaded to let their forward leave on loan.
We also expect the club to appoint a new fitness coach soon while it appears that David Turnbull's move to Celtic has hit a snag - will that allow the Bristol City to swoop?
Keep an eye on below for all the confirmed news, gossip and rumours concerning Bristol City across the day
Exciting times ahead for City
That’s the message from our Bristol City reporter who has explained why bringing in Rene Gilmartin from Colchester United makes sense.
Here’s why there are some exciting times ahead for the Robins.
We’re hearing good things in the pursuits of both Jay Dasilva and Tomas Kalas while the club still aim to bring in quality at the forefront of the team too.
Premier League clubs must have their turn first and also make decisions on which players may be allowed out next campaign. This all takes time.
Further, there are bargains to be had for whoever holds their nerve - not to be sniffed at when the battle with financial fairplay is so real and effecting.
Former Robin on his future
Tammy Abraham speaks on his future - the former City forward has explained that he still hopes to make it at Chelsea rather than return to Villa on loan.
He told the broadcaster...
You can never say never. Chelsea have been my club since a young age and the aim is always to break in there.
What the rivals are set to do
News from over the bridge: sounds like Cardiff City are lining up wales midfielder Will Vaulks.
The Rotherham player is reportedly wanted by several Championship sides.
EFL set for 'overhaul' regarding TV contracts
It looks like the fallout from the new EFL TV deal sign with Sky Sports this season has had repercussions.
The Times reports that the central body is set for reforms to clarify how TV deals are agreed in future.
The broadsheet explains that ‘an independent report raised questions over the process surrounding the controversial signing of a £595 million contract with Sky.’
Several clubs were reported to be unhappy at the deal agreed earlier this season while talk of a breakaway league even surfaced.
Championship rumours from elsewhere
Here’s a round-up of a few moves concerning the Robins rivals.
Chelsea plan to talk to Frank
Chelsea have identified Frank Lampard as their No1 candidate to replace the departing Maurizio Sarri and are ready to make an approach to Derby County for their manager.
With £5m compensation agreed with Juventus for the Italian giants to bring Sarri to Turin, the Blues hope to make a quick appointment and several outlets are reporting Lampard is the overwhelming choice of the board.
The Guardian report the Rams will be due £4m in compensation.
Clarke will cost Spurs
Champions League finalists Tottenham want to sign Leeds United teenager winger Jack Clarke.
According to the Daily Star , Spurs are interested in the 18-year-old winger who has emerged through the ranks at Elland Road.
With Leeds failing to secure promotion to the Premier League it makes them vulnerable to offers but Clarke has a £20m pricetag on his head which may prove too much for potential suitors.
Foxes want Justin
Leicester City remain confident they can seal a deal for highly-rated Luton Town full-back James Justin, Leicestershire Live are reporting.
Leicester want Justin to provide competition to first-choice right-back Ricardo Pereira while the 21-year-old can also deputise at left-back.
The Foxes, though, face competition from Celtic although Luton’s reported £7.5m valuation of their prized asset will likely be too much for the Scottish champions.
Mowbray sees value in Whelan
Blackburn Rovers are willing to offer Glenn Whelan a quick return to Championship football following his release from Aston Villa.
Football Insider reports that the Republic of Ireland midfielder has emerged as a top target for Rovers manager Tony Mowbray with defensive midfield an area in need of reinforcements
Promotion odds
How the Championship is predicted to go next season currently.
Promotion odds:
1. Leeds United 15/8
2. Fulham 9/4
3. Cardiff City 3/1
4. West Brom 3/1
5. Stoke City 7/2
6. Middlesbrough 4/1
7. Brentford 9/2
8. Derby County 5/1
9. Huddersfield 5/1
10. Nottingham Forest 5/1
11. Bristol City 6/1
12. Sheffield Wednesday 7/1
Kalas would be key
Michelle Owen has had her say on matters at Bristol City and believes that the signing of Tomas Kalas would be so key.
Hopefully it’s sorted sooner rather than later so the Robins can turn attention to other targets if needed.
Fans are very keen for his return, just take a look at the comments underneath his [recent Instagram] photo! He could be the signing of the summer.
Gilmartin to arrive
Reminder of our main story from late yesterday: according to our sources the Robins will bring in Rene Gilmartin from Colchester United this summer.
Gilmartin, 32, is out of contract having played 24 times last season for John McGreal’s League Two outfit, who challenged for a play-off spot but eventually finished eighth. He kept nine clean sheets in 22 league games last campaign.
The U’s have offered Gilmartin a new deal, but instead we can reveal that the shot-stopper is heading to BS3.
Additional forward target?
A further update to our story below on Eddie Nketiah from our City reporter Gregor.
While Jamie McAllister will have been watching the England U20s as part of the studies for his UEFA Pro level badges , he will alos have kept an eye out on other players. One player who will definitely have impressed - as written in the story below - is Matheus Cunha, a Brazil U23 striker at RB Leipzig and someone that Lee Johnson will know about after the head coach visited RB Leipzig last season.
Johnson is friends with sporting director Paul Mitchell at the Bundesliga side and could well have asked about 20-year-old Cunha’s availability. While that potential loan signing is perhaps a pipe dream, we would be surprised if the question hadn’t at least been posed to Mitchell. Unfortunately it looks like Cunha may be involved heavily at first-team level in Germany next season.
Arsenal starlet linked
Here’s a name that’s been mentioned before: Eddie Nketiah. The England U20s striker has been watched recently by City assistant head coach Jamie McAllister. And we understand that the Arsenal talent is an ambitious loan target for the Robins.
Bristol City continue to look for a top calibre forward capable of making the difference next season and Nketiah could be that man.
City have previous when it comes to attempting to bring in top level young stars in the making.
First there was Tammy Abraham, then the Robins even came close to landing Chelsea’s £40m-rated winger Callum Hudson-Odoi on loan last summer before Maurizio Sarri took over at Stamford Bridge.
From yesterday ICYMI
Lee Wallace had been linked with Bristol City - however the full-back has now signed for QPR.
So that’s the end of that one...
