Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson will be pleased to have done some early business in the form of Mark Sykes with the summer transition underway.
It's that time of year when many of City's Championship rivals and managers are scouring the market for free transfers as clubs continue to release their retained lists. There are bargains to be had but players are keen to assess all the options available to them before making a final decision.
With the uncertainty of the transfer market and limited cash available for many Championship sides, managers will have to be extra cautious when parting with their money as the risks to sign players remain higher than ever.
Here we run the rule over the latest Championship news and rumours on the back of Bristol Live's revelation that Reading midfielder Andy Rinomhota has emerged as a potential target.
Middlesbrough sign Watford youngster
Chris Wilder's side have made an early move in the market to sign Watford youngster Kamil Conteh. The Sierra Leone international, 19, will make the move to Teesside at the end of his contract on June 30.
The talented midfielder made his debut in the FA Cup for the Hornets last season against Leicester before moving to Braintree on loan for the season of the season.
Boro have also been linked with a move for Dutch midfielder Jean-Paul Boetius who will leave his club Mainz at the end of his contract. It's thought there is plenty of interest in England for his signature.
Cardiff look at Nigerian international
The Bluebirds have been busy in the market having already made three additions in winger Ollie Tanner, goalkeeper Jack Alnwick and midfielder Ebou Adams.
According to Wales Online, Nigerian left-back Jamilu Collins is set to become the club's fourth after undergoing a medical at the club on Thursday.
He will move on a free transfer after opting against extending his deal with Bundesliga 2 club SC Paderborn, where he has spent the last five seasons. The report adds that an announcement on his arrival is expected to be made within the next 48 hours.
Nottingham Forest and Swansea want Cyrus Christie
There's competition for the Fulham right-back who is set to leave the newly-promoted Cottagers on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract.
Christie spent the second half of last season on loan with the Swans where he impressed with five assists and three goals in 23 appearances. According to Sky Sports, Swansea boss Russell Martin wants to offer him a permanent contract although both Nottingham Forest and Watford remain interested.
The report adds how Turkish sides Konyaspor and Fenerbahce are also paying attention. Much could depend on whether Forest will earn promotion through the play-offs when they face Huddersfield.
Swansea backtrack on Joe Allen
Stoke City's Joe Allen is expected to sift through a whole host of offers this summer as he continues to delay putting pen-to-paper on an extension at the Potters.
Swansea manager Martin has been open in his desire to lure the veteran midfielder back to Wales. However, he admitted the deal looks less likely with his squad overloaded with players.
He told BBC Wales : "I don't think there's a gap in the squad for Joe Allen. There may be a gap in the squad [in the future] and he is one person who we would definitely be interested in to fill it. But at the moment I think it would be a difficult one. It's whether we can interest Joe enough to wait.
"There are going to be lots of interest and I will just be one of a number of managers who will be interested. So much in football is timing and opportunity."
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