Nigel Pearson finally gave Bristol City fans a glimmer of transfer hope after confirming defender Timm Klose is training with the club.
The ex-Norwich favourite has been without a club this season and The Robins are watching him closely with the manager in the market for a new central defender.
With Nathan Baker out for the rest of the season, City were already threadbare in defence before Rob Atkinson's 18-minute cameo against Cardiff on Saturday.
The towering centre-back was forced off for Zak Vyner during the 3-2 victory with Pearson later confirming he was struggling with a back issue.
The severity of his injury remains unknown for now, but another injury at the back would really leave the manager scraping the barrel for centre-backs.
Klose would be eyed as a relatively risk-free signing as he is currently without a club but big question marks surround the player's fitness.
Here are the latest transfer news and rumours from around the league...
Championship clubs track Humphries
A 19-year-old attacking midfielder currently plying his trade with Larkhall Athletic is attracting interest from numerous Football League clubs.
As reported by The Star, Birmingham, Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday and Aston Villa are all 'showing an interest' in the non-league talent.
It appears The Owls are leading the way after he was recently spotted playing in their Under-23 side in a game against Peterborough. He also scored for Birmingham U23 side in a contest against Stoke earlier in the month.
Preston sign a striker
Preston must know The Robins are coming to town because they've delved into the market to sign Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer on loan.
Ahead of City's visit on Saturday, The Lilywhites announced the arrival of the 20-year-old on loan until the end of the season.
Archer has seen 24 minutes of Premier League action this season but has impressed in the League Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Barrow before following that up with a goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Reading sign Hein
The Championship strugglers have signed highly-rated 19-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein on loan from Arsenal.
Hein is tipped for a bright future in the game and is already recognised on the international stage having earned 10 caps for Estonia.
Hein joins the ranks to provide competition between the sticks and a possible solution to their miserable defensive record this season. The Royals have conceded 51 goals - the joint-most in the Championship alongside Peterborough.
They've also lost their last four matches and sit one place above the relegation zone.
Forest looking to raid rivals Derby
Nottingham Forest have seen a £500,000 bid for highly-rated Derby winger Festy Ebosele turned down.
The Mail on Sunday write how the Reds are just one of the clubs eager to sign the talented 19-year-old whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Ebosele was terrific in Derby's visit to Ashton Gate in December in which Bristol City ran out 1-0 victors.
Competition for his signature remains rife with three unnamed Bundesliga clubs and one Italian side also reportedly closely following his situation with The Rams.
Huddersfield look towards ex-Chelsea keeper
Huddersfield are in talks to sign former Chelsea stopper Jamal Blackman, according to Football Insider.
The 28-year-old remains without a club after leaving MLS side Los Angeles FC this month.
Blackman, who was at Bristol Rovers during the 2019/20 campaign, is looking for a club he can call home having endured eight loan spells during his time with Chelsea.
It's suggested Blackman has been training with The Terriers and the club are considering offering him a deal to provide competition between the sticks.
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