Nigel Pearson has maintained his message over Bristol City's transfer activity this month with the Robins in the market but also realistic over the challenges and complexities of this particular January window.
The Robins do want to make reinforcements but the fact remains that until someone can be sent the other way, there simply isn't the required financial flexibility to conclude anything.
With just under two weeks until the window closes, activity across the Championship has notably quietened although a number of clubs remain intent of getting deals done before January 31.
Here are the latest rumours and news from across the division...
Millwall denied for a fourth time
Derby County administrators have told Millwall that midfielder Louie Sibley is not for sale after the Lions had a fourth bid of £450,000 rejected for the 20-year-old.
South London Press report that Millwall have now turned their attentions to other targets after Quantuma indicated Sibley, who is under contract until 2024, won’t be leaving Pride Park.
Derby have been in administration for four months and have been unable to register new players until a takeover can be completed with three separate parties interested in purchasing the Rams.
However, ongoing legal cases with Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers are delaying new ownership coming in, leaving the Rams in a state of limbo with the threat of expulsion from the league.
Swansea consider double raid on the Dons
MK Dons duo Matt O’Riley and Harry Darling are subject of significant interest from Swansea City, with former manager Russell Martin in charge at the Liberty Stadium.
Football Insider report that the Swans and Blackburn Rovers have declared an interest in 21-year-old midfielder O’Riley who has seven goals and six assists this season in League One.
Teammate Darling is also on the Swans’ radar with Martin preparing a second bid for the 22-year-old having failed in an approach earlier in the window with MK Dons valuing the centre-back at around £2m.
Blackburn’s interest in O’Riley is a result of the potential of Joe Rothwell or John Buckley leaving in the near future amid interest from Bournemouth and a number of Premier League clubs.
Blues turn to Knockaert
Birmingham City club officials are likely to hold talks with their Fulham counterparts tonight during the Championship clash at Craven Cottage with Blues keen on signing defender Alfie Mawson and winger Anthony Knockaert.
The latter has played just 20 minutes of league action this term and Fulham manager Marco Silva has admitted that he needs to trim his squad and with Birmingham looking for a creative spark, the Frenchman offers proven Championship pedigree.
Birmingham Live report that Blues may be frustrated in their attempts to land Mawson on a permanent deal as the 27-year-old may be retained in west London to increase squad depth.
Knockaert, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, is increasingly dispensable, however, with Silva having a multitude of attacking options.
All change on Humberside
Acun Ilicali is close to completing his protracted takeover of Hull City with a meeting scheduled with the Turkish media mogul, the EFL and current owners the Allam family scheduled for Wednesday.
Ilicali has been trying to purchase the Tigers for the last six months and reached a £20m agreement to buy the Championship club in October, however completion of the purchase has been a long and drawn out process.
Hull Live report the meeting will take place with the main parties with the expectation that the deal will finally be signed off and an announcement made before the end of the week.
The Allam family have been in charge of Hull for the last 11 years and despite promotion to the Premier League twice being secured under their ownership, they have proved divisive custodians of the club, particularly the move in 2013 to try and rename them as Hull City Tigers.
Sanderson is a wanted man
Bristol City are among five clubs reportedly keeping an eye on developments concerning Wolves defender Dion Sanderson with the 22-year-old set to be made available on loan.
The Daily Mail claim that City, Birmingham - where Sanderson spent the first half of the season - and QPR are interested in taking the centre-back on loan until the summer, with Football Insider adding Millwall and Blackpool to the mix.
Despite those reports, Bristol Live understands that Sanderson isn't a target for City with Pearson largely reluctant to explore the loan market.
Sanderson was recalled by Wolves due to Romain Saiss’ involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations but the emergence of Toti Gomes, who was also brought back from loan, has now made him available again to seek a temporary Championship move.
Along with Birmingham, Sanderson has also impressed in previous EFL loan stints at Cardiff City and Sunderland.
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