Nigel Pearson spoke at length before the end of the season about the transformation that needs to take place at the club over the summer, not just in terms of players but also the squad's character and mentality.
It has promised to be an important summer on a stringent budget with plenty of work to do but the Bristol City manager has shown that he is not messing around by moving quickly to pull off two frugal signings before the beginning of June.
The market doesn't officially open until June 10, but City will have two players through the door in Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith once their contracts officially end on June 30 at their respective clubs.
City have been one of the most active clubs in the Championship thus far and it points to encouraging signs that Pearson can build the squad that he wants before the new season gets underway on the final weekend of July. However, there is still plenty of uncertainties over the futures of certain players including Han-Noah Massengo.
With a defender signed in Naismith and a versatile midfielder in Sykes, Pearson will still look to address the issues at right wing-back while a natural defensive midfielder remains a target to add an extra layer of protection in front of the defence and provide cover for the likes of Joe Williams.
Rest assured there will be plenty of names rumoured to be heading to Ashton Gate over the next two months but here are the ones who have already grabbed the headlines.
Ryan Alebiosu
The Arsenal youngster was linked with a move to Ashton Gate by Football Insider on May 17 with the Gunners open to receiving offers for the 20-year-old right-back.
His name was also linked with a switch to Blackburn Rovers as they prepare to seek out a long-term replacement for Ryan Nyambe with his contract expiring next month. Bristol Live understands that the Robins do have an interest in the talent, and would be available on both a permanent and loan deal.
Alebiosu can operate at both right-back and wing-back and with Pearson's eagerness to sign a player in that position to help fill the void, he could certainly be eyed as one for the future. City are likely to wait on other targets, most notably on the future of Kane Wilson before any decision is made.
Marlon Pack
Bristol Live exclusively revealed how the former Robins midfielder is being considered for a return to Ashton Gate following the expiration of his contract at Cardiff at the end of next month.
His return would certainly divide opinion among supporters with some suggesting reuniting with the 31-year-old would be a step backwards. Pearson wants a defensive midfielder in the ranks and signing the Welshman would be considered a relatively risk-free addition, especially with Andy King's future up in the air and his low wages.
A move back to BS3 would be eyed as a tempting proposition for Pack who still lives close to the area. City could also be left short of options in midfield if Massengo departs this summer. As it stands, Pack hasn't been linked with any other clubs but is unlikely to be short of interest.
Kane Wilson
A transfer headline that could rumble on over the summer, Bristol Live reported how City have made contact with the representatives of the Forest Green wing-back - another player who is leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of next month.
The 22-year-old right-back is certainly one of Pearson's top targets to fill the problem position but he undoubtedly has plenty of Championship interest after being named the League Two Player of the Year and offers to weigh up before making a final decision on his future.
Bristol Live further understands an enticing offer from City is on the table, while Nottingham Forest have also been linked. A switch to Watford to reunite with old manager Rob Edwards can't be ruled out and likewise staying with Forest Green as they embark on League One.
However, Forest Green Rovers' director of football Rich Hughes said last week how the club are resigned to losing their key man. Wilson is likely to make his final decision over the next few weeks.
Andy Rinomhota
On May 19, Bristol Live revealed how Reading's Andy Rinomhota is one of the names being considered with Pearson eager to exploit the free transfer market. The defensive midfield enforcer is leaving the Royals at the end of June having failed to agree terms on a contract extension.
City are one of a number of clubs paying attention to the 25-year-old with the club also keeping one eye on other options in that area of the field. Rinomhota would certainly provide a stability in front of the defence, and Pearson wants a player in that position so he doesn't need to rely heavily on the midfield partnership of Matty James and Joe Williams.
Having been at Reading for seven years, he is considering his options and a fresh start could be in the making. Rinomhota's arrival could be seen as a coup if City can pull it off and is likely to end in interest in the likes of Pack.
Curtis Davies
It already feels like months have passed since the Derby veteran was first rumoured with a switch to Ashton Gate. Linked by journalist Alan Nixon towards the beginning of May, Davies was one of the first names to kick-start City's rumour mill.
Bristol Live understood the 37-year-old was just one of the names being considered as Pearson plotted to improve his defence heading into next season. Soon after City's links emerged, it was speculated that Hull was also considering a deal to bring back their former man.
With Timm Klose and Robbie Cundy's futures still up in the air, Davies would seem like a sensible option to add experience to the backline should one or both of them depart. He also played every minute of every game in the Championship last season. However, the surprise arrival of versatile defender Naismith from Luton last week, suggests a deal for Davies is certainly on the backburner.
Mark Sykes
Speculation that Pearson was looking towards an Oxford player or two was first raised by Bristol World towards the end of April when the manager went to watch The Us game with MK Dons.
Pearson would then deny in his press conference he was running the rule over his former defender Elliott Moore before a couple of weeks passed when the same publication reported how Oxford's Mark Sykes was the man in demand having held talks with the club over a potential free transfer.
The deal moved quickly, with the manager eager to get his business done sharpish, and on May 16, City had their first notable name through the door in the versatile midfielder.
Predominantly a right-winger, Sykes provides versatility across midfield and considering Pearson's desire to generate more goals from midfield, the 24-year-old arriving on a free transfer certainly seems like a smart piece of business.
Fraser Horsfall
Bristol World reported last Tuesday how the Northampton centre-back was being considered by Bristol City on a free transfer with his contract expiring at Northampton.
Bristol Live would later understand that talks had taken place earlier in the month after the Cobblers missed out on promotion to League Two. Northampton's manager Jon Brady would issue a statement saying that had made a new contract offer for Horsfall although his future would likely be cleared up in a few weeks.
The arrival of Naismith may have changed Pearson's priorities going forward but, again, much will depend on whether the futures of Klose and Cundy can be tied down.
Elliott Moore
Bristol World linked Moore with a potential move to City after Pearson watched his side Oxford in action over MK Dons. The centre-back had already played under the Robins manager both at Leicester and during his time in Belgium with OH Leuven.
However the manager quickly shot that down in the following press conference when asked whether the speculation was true, and Oxford have now exercised their one-year option in Moore's contract.
He responded: "Me and (assistant) Curtis (Fleming) decided to just go and have a look at one or two players who we have been viewing over a period of time. Elliot wasn’t one of them as it happens.
“Who I am looking at is nothing to do with you, quite frankly.” - Cheers, Nige.
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