The latest news and transfer talk for Bristol City’s Championship play-off rivals.

Bristol City are back in action next week as they continue their push for a place in the Championship’s play-offs. The Robins are unbeaten in their last three league fixtures and have a meeting with Millwall next up.

The race for a top six finish is heating up and as the clubs fight for both automatic and play-off promotion, their success will undoubtedly heavily favour them once the summer transfer window opens for business.

This season has been an unpredictable one, so it can be assumed we’re in for a similar transfer window. We’ve taken a look at some of the latest rumours circling Bristol City’s closest rivals as they keep their eye on a shot at promotion.

Carlton Palmer expects 15-goal star to leave rivals

Norwich City are also pushing for a place in the play-offs this season. Despite being down in 11th, the Canaries are just four points adrift of a chance at promotion and with games still to play, there’s still time for the top six race to be blown wide open.

Norwich have two key players approaching the last 12 months of their contracts. Midfielder Marcelino Núñez and winger Borja Sainz are both in the same position with their current terms.

However, Carlton Palmer is concerned the club have left it this late with both players to discuss new terms, and believes they will only be able to tie one of them down. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United star expects the ongoing interest in Sainz to see him out the door, having contributed an impressive 15 league goals this season so far.

“I really can’t believe that they have got down to the last 18 months of their contracts, these two players. It really does put them in a difficult position,” Palmer told Football League World.

“It’s going to be very difficult for the club, as it is for any when a player gets down to the last 18 months of their contract.

“It’s difficult to see how this plays out. It’s one of those things for the club; they have to get them signed on by the summer, or sell them, or they risk losing them for free.

“It’ll be interesting to see. I think the likelihood is that one may stay and the other may leave. I think Sainz is the one that is probably most likely to go, while Nunez might sign a new contract. That’s just my opinion. They could lose both players, because they’ve put themselves in this position. It’s going to be very, very difficult for Norwich to keep both players, I’m sure of that.”

Michael Carrick addresses latest Middlesbrough setback

Middlesbrough have been hit with two new injury setbacks, which could force the club to explore the free agent market. As things stand, Boro have just one fit natural centre-back, following blows to George Edmundson and Rav van den Berg.

Manager Michael Carrick has not ruled out the club turning to the free agent pool to give them some support, but he has backed the depth of his team as things stand. The boss had been waiting to see if the defensive duo were available to face Derby, but both were absent.

“Let’s see where we’re at. I don’t want to get too far ahead just yet when we’re still assessing the boys. A lot can happen in a season and injuries are part of it. We’ve got players who can cover. Luke [Ayling] came on the other night when we were drawing at the time and ended up winning,” Carrick said, via TeessideLive.

“He’s played there before and we’ve managed to win games when he’s played there before as well. Neto [Borges] has played there before in his career, Jonny [Howson], when he gets back, can play there as well. There are all sorts that can come into it. I think we’ve got a decently balanced squad to cover every eventuality and hopefully we can make the most of it.”