Bristol City man emerges as 'target' for rivals as loan deal done for 21-year-old to join EFL side

Bristol City lost 2-0 at home to Preston North End last time out. They are sat in 10th place in the Championship table after 26 fixtures. The Robins are two points off the play-offs behind Watford in 6th.

Gerhard Struber’s men are back in action this weekend with an FA Cup third round tie at home against the Hornets. In the meantime, they have the chance to bring in some new faces with the January transfer window open for business. They also have the opportunity to sell some players if needed.

Bristol City defender Zak Vyner attracting transfer interest

Bristol City defender Zak Vyner has emerged as a ‘target’ for fellow second tier sides this winter, according to The Mirror (live transfer blog, 06.01.26, 22:07). The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is due to become a free agent in June as things stand. He was linked with Wrexham last summer but nothing materialised in the end.

Vyner, who is from London, has started 25 of the Robins’ 26 league games in this campaign. They risk losing him for free later this year if they don’t cash in on him this month, assuming he doesn’t pen an extension anytime soon. He has been on the books at Ashton Gate for his whole career to date.

He rose up through Bristol City’s academy ranks and has made 248 appearances for them in all competitions, chipping in with four goals from the back. Vyner has also been loaned out to Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, Rotherham United and Aberdeen in the past. His long-term future is up in the air right now.

Bristol City youngster Josh Stokes loaned to Stockport County

Bristol City attacking midfielder Josh Stokes has joined Stockport County on loan. The 21-year-old has been given the green light to link up with the North West outfit on a temporary basis to get some more experience under his belt. The Hatters are aiming for promotion from League One and are in the top six along with Bradford City, Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers.

Stokes has also been loaned out to Aldershot Town and Cambridge United in the past to boost his development. He has played twice for the Robins’ first-team to date. Stockport boss Challinor has said: “We are really pleased to bring Josh into our squad. He’s a young player who we’ve obviously had a strong interest in previously, so to have him playing for Stockport County rather than scoring goals against us is brilliant.

“He’s had a fragmented start to the season with a couple of injuries, but he’s raring to go and we’re really looking forward to having him in our team. His aggression to run forward, press and get in scoring positions, as well as his obvious ability, is something that our supporters will absolutely relate to. He feels like a player who’s a really good fit for this football club and I have no doubts that he’ll show that.”