Perhaps the strongest piece of evidence that Bristol City will be in the market for a right-back this summer is the fact that six different players have started in the position this season, and none has definitively declared their intentions to keep the position in the long-term.
That is caveated, of course, by George Tanner's hamstring problems as, after a bright start in a red shirt following his summer arrival from Carlisle United, the 22-year-old has spent around three months on the sidelines and Nigel Pearson is being cautious not only over his reintroduction to the first-team but also expectations.
Danny Simpson's exit this week has further limited the manager's options, with Zak Vyner seemingly out of favour, and the current "owner" of the position being 19-year-old forward Sam Bell who's in his first full season as a professional.
It's clear it'll be one of the positions of need for the manager this summer but with a tight budget, the Robins will need to be creative with their recruitment; do they try and sign a senior partner to Tanner? But that would likely be expensive, either in terms of transfer fee or salary. Or do they consider a more junior option, with Tanner then expected to make the leap in his second Championship campaign?
With the internal and external restrictions in place, there aren't an abundance of obvious options for City to turn to, which is all the more reason why they'll be more likely looking for an unpolished diamond and/or a value signing offering considerable upside.
We spoke to City 'fanalyst' Dave Featherstone to cast his eye over the affordable and realistic options for the Robins, as plans take shape for the summer window. Here is his five-man shortlist with a sixth name to keep an eye on for the future...
Callum Brittain (Barnsley)
Age: 23
Contract until: 2023
League appearances: 139
The former England Under-20 international can play right back or wing back, with the latter position Pearson recently bemoaning a lack of options in.
With Barnsley looking odds-on for relegation this may be an opportunity for City to take advantage and pick up a player who might normally be out our price range. Brittain has a good engine and also delivers in the final third.
Kane Wilson (Forest Green Rovers)
Age: 21
Contract until: 2022
League appearances: 96
Former West Brom youth player who signed for Forest Green in the summer of 2020 on a free transfer. Wilson has three goals and 14 assists for the Gloucestershire outfit who are flying in League Two.
Highlighted by Not the top 20's Ali Maxwell and George Elek in their “20 under 20” to watch programme on Sky Sports, Wilson is a key part of the way FGR play with width and ensuring consistent crosses find their way into Jamille Matt and Matty Stevens (think Turner and Taylor).
Out of contract this summer, and only up the road, he ought to be high on City’s watch list but won't be short of suitors after such an impressive campaign.
Josh Key (Exeter City)
Age: 22
Contract until: 2023
League appearances: 75
Key is probably the best all-round right back in League Two, in terms of his ability in and out of possession.
A graduate of Exeter’s academy, who know a thing or two about developing youngsters, he's scored twice and added six assists as the Grecians push for an automatic promotion place.
Will be entering the final year of his contract in the summer and it might be now or never for City as the secret is no longer out regarding the 22-year-old.
Regan Poole (Lincoln City)
Age: 23
Contract until: Undisclosed
League appearances: 183
Ex-Manchester United youngster, so good pedigree, who had loan spells over the bridge at Newport before arriving at The Imps via MK Dons.
Can also play centre-back, is strong in the air and good with the ball but is probably the least attack-minded on this list. Also reads the game well as a traditional defender, which is likely to appeal to Pearson.
Mahlon Romeo, 26 (Millwall, on loan at Portsmouth)
Age: 26
Contract until: 2023
League appearances: 215
The elder statesman in my five, I’m really surprised he’s on loan in League One, as he's earned more than 200 appearances for Millwall, of which almost 150 have been at Championship level.
Can play right-back, wing-back or even side centre-back and although he's not the kind of signing to get excited about, we need a no-thrills, consistent performer who doesn’t give his opponent an easy time. He would dovetail nicely with Tanner’s development.
.... and one to keep an eye on
Kaine Kesler (Aston Villa, on loan at MK Dons)
Age: 19
Contract until: 2026
League appearances: 27
On loan at MK Dons having spent the first half of the season at Swindon Town. My left-field option, to take on loan and provide an energetic right side, sharing minutes with George Tanner next season.
However, given he still has four years on his contract at Villa Park and with considerable excitement about the teenager in the Midlands, any move would surely have to be a loan arrangement.
There were several players who I like but felt were unrealistic, either too expensive, or would have suitors more attractive than City currently, e.g. Blackburn's Ryan Nyambe or Nathan Byrne at Derby, who are both out of contract this summer as it stands. Byrne at 29 might not fit the age profile either.
The other one that would’ve been on my list is Barnsley’s Jordan Williams, who can play right or left side. Unfortunately he has just picked up a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season. I feel we need someone without recent injury problems, for obvious reasons.
You can follow Dave on Twitter @FevsFootball
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