Understandably, there hasn't been a flurry of completed business in the January transfer window so far.
While the turn of the year provides an ideal opportunity for clubs to strengthen at a crucial time in the season, whether that's to make a promotion push or to ease the threat of relegation, there's always the temptation to make way for deals.
As clubs continue their financial recovery from the pandemic, there's a reluctance to open the cheque book and therefore Championship sides are relying heavily on Premier League loan deals to bolster their squads this month.
Bristol City are no different with Nigel Pearson confirming they are exploring the possibility to bring in a new face or two temporarily although that all depends on outgoings. Considering the intense speculation surrounding Antoine Semenyo on Thursday, there's every chance the remaining 11 days of the window could prove a busy one from a Robins perspective.
We've taken a look at the latest rumours across the day involving City's Championship rivals.
Wigan signing Joe Gelhardt
This is likely to be a major coup for the Championship's rock-bottom side as the Latics are braced to sign the talented Leeds forward on loan until the end of the season. Wigan have beaten plenty of competition to sign the 20-year-old including Swansea and Stoke City.
A major part of Gelhardt's decision came down to his loyalty towards the club. He came through the youth ranks there before joining Leeds in the summer of 2020. He has since extended his contract with the Premier League side until 2027.
Gelhardt has made one Premier League start this season and has come off the substitute bench 14 times but the January arrival of Georginio Rutter has only added competition for places in the attack. Wigan are the joint third-lowest scorers in the division with 27 goals in 27 games and sit four points adrift of safety.
Leicester test Stoke's resolve
The Foxes may have completed their first permanent deal for the first time since 2018 with the impending arrival of Victor Kristiansen and now they're looking to make up for lost time. According to Sky Sports Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, they have made a £10million offer for Stoke City's Harry Souttar.
Reports suggested the struggling Potters have turned it down as they look to move away from the relegation spots. The central defender, who impressed for Australia in the World Cup, is highly-rated.
The news could benefit City in the knowledge that his departure would certainly weaken Alex Neil's side. Stoke currently sit two points behind the Robins and four above the relegation spots.
Sunderland close on a winger
Reports in France claim the Black Cats are in talks to sign Lille winger Isaac Lihadji who has fallen out of favour with Lille. He has yet to play this season and with a contract expiring at the end of the season, a move away seems inevitable.
Sunderland have been impressive on their return to the second tier this season and have an outside chance of reaching the playoffs as they currently sit three points adrift of West Brom in sixth spot.
Lihadji, 20, almost moved to Barcelona when he was 13 but a broken leg scuppered that transfer. A year later he joined Marseille and would later break into the first-team before earning his move to Lille in 2020. The French side attempted to move him on in the summer but the player dug in his heels and refused to leave. Now a move to Sunderland could reignite his promising career.
Blackburn Rovers raid Lee Johnson's side
Balckburn Rovers have made an offer for Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous as they look to bolster their Premier League promotion hopes. A 4-0 defeat at the weekend away to Rotherham is a clear sign the Championship side need to improve their quality at the back if they are to cement their play-off position.
Their manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, told Lancashire Live: "We have made an offer, yes. We’re still waiting for the situation [to resolve itself]. Ryan has played one game for Scotland, and is a leader as well." Blackburn also confirmed defender Dominic Hyam is ruled out of action for four weeks meaning he will miss the trip to City at the weekend.
Former City boss Lee Johnson will now face a difficult task in keeping hold of their stalwart although it appears he has already identified a replacement in Sunderland's Bailey Wright. He will face competition from Aberdeen for his signature.
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