Bristol City’s season opener against Hull City is less than two weeks away and while the Robins have moved quickly to bring in reinforcements this summer, there are still some areas of concern in the squad.
Based on Nigel Pearson’s summary last month that he would like an additional 2-3 new players, the arrival of goalkeeper Stefan Bajic has reduced that figure further, with the belief that the City boss wants another centre-back and defensive midfielder.
The loan market is one avenue being explored by the club but they will have to remain patient on that front as, on the whole, Premier League sides are yet to make their decisions on what’s best for their younger talent, as pre-season continues.
Here are the latest transfer rumours from around the Championship…
Royals try a Guinness
Former AFC Wimbledon full-back Nesta Guinness-Walker has gone on trial at Championship Reading after deciding to leave Plough Lane following the expiry of his contract in south London.
Berkshire Live report that the 22-year-old came off the bench in the second half of the Royals’ 1-1 draw against West Ham and will be involved in Tuesday against his former club, where he made 97 appearances over three seasons, and Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday before Paul Ince makes a decision.
Guinness-Walker, the great-grandson of legendary Star Wars actor Alec Guinness, was previously linked with Bristol City and Portsmouth but the Robins are well-stocked at left-back with Jay Dasilva, Cam Pring and Kal Naismith able to fill that role.
Sevilla cast eyes over Brereton-Diaz
La Liga side Sevilla are keen on Blackburn Rovers star striker Ben Brereton-Diaz but are unwilling to meet the Championship club’s £20m valuation, reports the Sun’s Alan Nixon.
Brereton-Diaz has 12 months remaining on his contract at Ewood Park after the club activated their option in his deal earlier this summer, so face having to sell him in this window or risk losing him for small compensation in 2022.
A number of clubs, domestically and in Spain, have been credited with an interest in the Chilean international, who scored 22 goals for Rovers last season, but Sevilla are now “back in” for the 23-year-old, however are only willing to offer around £10m for his services.
AS, meanwhile, report that Leeds United and West Ham are also back in the mix for the striker with the clock ticking towards September 1 when his value will then plummet once the window closes.
Cherries and Forest bid for Boro star
Premier League Bournemouth have bid for Middlesbrough midfielder Marcus Tavernier with the Championship club yet to respond to the offer, report the Bournemouth Echo.
Tavernier is thought to be valued at around £10m and is a long-term target of Scott Parker’s as the Cherries prepare for a return to the top flight.
Mail Online have also claimed that fellow promoted side Nottingham Forest have entered a formal offer for the 23-year-old who has made 155 appearances for Boro over five seasons with the club.
Tavernier has been capped at England Under-19 and Under-20 level and is the younger brother of Rangers full-back James.
Coventry closing in on deal
Coventry City are set to seal a loan move for Crystal Palace defender Tayo Adaramola, with the 18-year-old expected to move to the Midlands once the Eagles return from their pre-season tour of the Far East.
Coventry had Ian Maatsen on loan from Chelsea last season to occupy the left-back/left wing-back slot but with the 20-year-old now making a temporary move to Burnley, the Sky Blues are focused on bringing in Adaramola.
Preston North End were previously reported as being interested but Alan Nixon reports an agreement has been reached with Mark Robins’ Coventry.
Everton pushing for Cornet
Everton are determined to sign Burnley’s Maxwel Cornet, report the Athletic, with the forward available for £17.5m due to a release clause in his contract.
The Toffees are light in the final third following the departure of Richalison to Tottenham Hotspur and have been linked with a number of attacking players but Cornet appears the most gettable option for Frank Lampard.
The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international scored nine times and added two assists in 29 appearances last season as Burnley were relegated to the Championship.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
