The transfer window is yet to officially open but Bristol City have already made three very common sense and quietly efficient deals that stand them in good stead for the rest of the summer.
Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith have arrived on free transfers while, on Wednesday, it was confirmed centre-back Timm Klose has agreed to a new 12-month contract at Ashton Gate.
The Robins will continue to be busy in the market as Nigel Pearson looks to build a squad capable of significantly improving on last season’s 17th-place finish, while also reducing the club’s wage bill amid the red line of the EFL’s Profit & Sustainability rules.
Here are the latest transfer headlines involving the Robins…
Pack back in BS3?
Bristol City have made contact with former midfielder Marlon Pack over an Ashton Gate return, three years after the veteran left the Robins for Cardiff City.
Pack is leaving the Bluebirds at the end of the month once his contract expires and, according to Wales Online, City, Shrewsbury Town and Portsmouth have all declared an interest in signing the 31-year-old.
As reported by Bristol Live in May, although Pack wouldn’t be expected to be a first-team regular for the Robins, he would bring much-needed leadership and experience to the dressing room plus potentially cover the minutes played by Andy King last season, with the latter offered a player-coach role in BS3.
A return to Ashton Gate would surely appeal for Pack, with his family still based in the area but there could also be appeal with Shrewsbury, where he would be reunited with Steve Cotterill, and hometown club Portsmouth, where he started his career.
Bakinson still an option for Ipswich
Bristol Live understands that Tyreeq Bakinson remains a transfer option for Ipswich Town despite the Tractor Boys closing in on released QPR midfielder Dom Ball as their second summer signing.
Ball is poised to follow Freddie Ladapo to Portman Road after three seasons at Loftus Road with the 26-year-old a defensive midfielder by trade, also capable of filling in at centre-back and right-back.
That would seemingly put the chance of Ipswich returning for Bakinson, following his loan spell last season, under threat, however head coach Kieran McKenna is thought to want two central midfielders this summer and the 23-year-old could still move to East Anglia.
Bakinson has one year remaining on his contract at Ashton Gate but doesn’t appear to have a future at City following manager Nigel Pearson’s very public criticism of his attitude in January.
Former City youngster on the move
Bristol City academy graduate Connor Lemonheigh-Evans has bid farewell to Torquay United with the midfielder set for a move to League Two, with ambitious Stockport County and Walsall interested in the Welshman.
Lemonheigh-Evans left City in 2020 to move to Plainmoor where he has flourished under Gary Johnson and the 25-year-old confirmed his departure this week, although the identity of his next club remains unknown.
Torquay’s Player of the Season wrote on Twitter: “It’s been a difficult decision to say goodbye to Torquay after four years… although it’s time for a new adventure, Torquay will always be special to us as the place our children were born and friends for life were made. Lastly to the fans, your dedication has been outstanding - thank you.”
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