The transfer window officially opens this week and the market is set to kick into gear after the traditional slow period in late May as the bulk of the nation's players and managers go on holiday.
Bristol City's squad still have around two weeks left of their summer break but are due back at the Robins High Performance Centre on Friday for initial testing - a symbol of how close pre-season and preparation for 2022/23 is.
Having landed Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith so far this summer, the Robins are undoubtedly in the market for more business with Nigel Pearson keen on a defensive midfielder and right wing-back, amongst other positions.
As City continue their search for reinforcements, here are the latest transfer rumours from across the Championship involving their rivals...
Hull fight to keep Lewis-Potter
Hull City are bracing themselves for offers regarding England Under-21 international winger Keane Lewis-Potter with Premier League West Ham having made an informal enquiry.
Hull Live report that Tigers owner Acun Ilicali is working hard to convince Lewis-Potter that his future is best served on Humberside as interest grows in the 21-year-old, and the club have a long-term contract offer on the table.
Ilicali has even priced the academy product at £30m having rejected a bid from Brentford in January, while Southampton are another Premier League side known to have watched the forward closely.
Samba sparks keeper search
Nottingham Forest could turn to Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope to solve their goalkeeping issues following the news that No1 Brice Samba has told the newly-promoted club he wants to leave.
Pope is set to leave Turf Moor this summer, with a host of Premier League clubs considering a move for the dependable 30-year-old who wants to play top-flight football and remain in the international set-up with England as World Cup 2022 approaches.
Forest could well have a vacancy between the sticks after The Athletic reported that Samba has told the club he “intends to leave” this summer and won’t be signing an extension to his contract which expires in 2023 and TalkSPORT's Alex Crook states Forest are interested in Pope this summer.
Cardiff target another Welsh legend
Cardiff City are not only trying to bring Gareth Bale back to his hometown club, but the Bluebirds also have an “outside possibility” of signing his Wales teammate Aaron Ramsey.
The Telegraph claim that Ramsey is surplus to requirements at Juventus and reports in Italy state the Bianconeri are willing to rip up the final year of his contract to save themselves paying for a player they won’t use.
Cardiff are yet to make an offer for Ramsey but the 31-year-old midfielder could be convinced by a return to the club where he started his career and then helped rebuild his form and fitness while on loan from Arsenal.
Seasiders speak to Duff
Blackpool have interviewed Cheltenham Town boss Michael Duff over the vacancy at Bloomfield Road but the 44-year-old is not the only candidate for the job in the north west.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon states that Blackpool also have an interest in Bolton Wanderers’ Ian Evatt and Derby County Leroy Rosenoir, who has impressed as Wayne Rooney’s No2 at Pride Park.
Cheltenham confirmed on Monday night that they had given permission for Duff to speak to a “Championship club”, having also held talks with Barnsley, but the Robins have also offered the former Burnley defender a new contract in a bid to keep him to stay.
Preston make bold Archer pledge
Preston North End director Peter Ridsdale has said the club will match any loan offers made for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer, such is his determination to bring the young striker back to Deepdale.
Archer, who is currently away with the England Under-21 squad, scored seven goals in 20 games during the second half of last season and Preston manager Ryan Lowe has made it clear he would like the 20-year-old for a full Championship campaign.
“We have asked the question of Aston Villa,” Ridsdale told the From the Finney podcast . “We have made it absolutely clear that, were he to be available for loan, we will match any other deal in the Championship to get him back.”
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
