Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has a busy summer ahead replenishing his defence if his own comments are anything to go by.
Pearson has made it no secret of his desire to strengthen the backline both in central defence and out on the flanks following a defensive record that will surely be making him wince.
The 2-2 draw with West Brom before the international break means the Robins have now conceded 69, already one more than the entirety of last season with seven games left to play.
They have counteracted that by also scoring more goals but the crux of the problem throughout the season has been City's defensive frailties and without addressing them, progress up the table will be futile.
Before the international break, Pearson spoke about his intentions to sign both central defenders and full-backs but with the latter, he went into more detail about the attributes he will look for when it comes to making a potential transfer.
He said: "Moving forward, it would be nice to have full-backs who can defend and stop crosses, wing-backs who can defend and stop crosses but can also give us something going forward too."
Luckily for Pearson, there could be a number of potential options in the summer worth enquiring about - particularly these five who are braced to leave their clubs on a free transfer at the end of the season.
And with City's current financial situation, spotting a bargain is likely to be the task of the summer.
Tommy Smith - Stoke City
Absolutely no doubt that a right full-back/wing-back will be at the top of the priority list for Pearson having tried and tested six different players in that position from the start this season.
From forwards Sam Bell and Andi Weimann to the likes of Zak Vyner, no player has managed to make that position their own. Stoke's Tommy Smith could be the reliable answer to their problems with his deal expiring.
The 29-year-old can fits into Pearson's criteria of being able to play at full-back and wing-back and is adept going forward with five assists in 27 Championship appearances this season.
Smith has been in and out of the Stoke side this season but he has bags of Championship experience having played over 230 games at that level for both the Potters and Huddersfield.
He'll still have a number of years left in the tank in the Championship and could be eyed as a shrewd investment going forward.
James Bree - Luton
One of the standout performers of Luton's remarkable season so far. Bree has been instrumental in their climb up the table with the club currently sitting third in the Championship.
The right-back, 24, has featured 36 times and assisted six having also been deployed further forward into a midfield position.
His versatility has also seen Bree feature in central defence following a number of injuries - a position he played during his time coming through the ranks at Aston Villa.
He joined the Hatters in 2020 on a permanent deal following a successful loan spell and with Luton's stringent wage budget, his demands wouldn't cost the earth.
Obviously that all changes should Luton achieve an unlikely promotion but Bree could remain an option with his age also suggesting he could be eyed as a sellable asset in the future.
Kristian Pedersen - Birmingham City
A player almost certain to leave Birmingham in the summer for nothing after his switch away in January was blocked.
A Belgian side wanted Pedersen but Lee Bowyer's difficulty in finding a replacement, including testing the waters for Jay Dasilva, meant the left-back stayed put.
Like Cam Pring, the 27-year-old can also play in central defence, which is likely to prick the ears of Pearson who likes players with adaptability.
If Dasilva remains a City player beyond the summer, he would provide adequate back-up and although he is limited with his pace going forward, does boast a rather lethal long throw.
Ryan Nyambe - Blackburn
One that could be a little optimistic in terms of transfer targets because Nyambe will not be short of suitors come the summer.
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray has already admitted he is unlikely to sign a new contract having been at Ewood Park for six years since coming through the youth set-up.
Nyambe is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury and may have already played his last game for Rovers. With 27 appearances under his belt, he has been part of a side that has kept 13 clean sheets this season.
Defensively he remains hugely reliable and Mowbray has also deployed him in a midfield role on several occasions this season. Demand for his signature is likely to inflate his wages but there's no reason why City shouldn't try their luck.
Andy Yiadom - Reading
The Reading right-back looks set to be one of many Royals players leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of the season. Yiadom has been a mainstay in the Reading side this season making 32 league appearances.
Reading's struggles on the pitch may be one of the reasons why he hasn't extended his contract, while they battle for their league future while they sit five points above Barnsley who occupy the final relegation spot.
The club's financial struggles could also play an impact on his future and Yiadom may be forced to look for a better deal this summer.
City need a new right-back to provide competition alongside George Tanner and a reliable player will help take the pressure off the shoulders of the youngster.
He's not getting any younger having recently turned 30 but Yiadom could be a useful addition for a season or two while the likes of Tanner gain further experience.
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