Bristol City face ‘battle’ to keep hold of defender as Cardiff City ‘step up’ Gareth Bale talks

Bristol City are already making progress ahead of next season.

The Robins endured a disappointing campaign, finishing firmly in the bottom half of the Championship, with Nigel Pearson getting off to a tough start.

Significant improvements are required ahead of next season, and Pearson has already made some progress, snapping up new signings, including Kal Naismith, who was excellent for Luton Town this season.

The improvements are not likely to end there, though, and Pearson will be desperate to add a number of new faces to his squad ahead of next season.

With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer news from Ashton Gate and beyond.

Kalas interest

City could be tested over one of their current stars this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Stoke City are now monitoring Tomas Kalas, who is now moving into the finals 12 months of his contract at Ashton Gate.

Kalas has been with the Robins since 2019, but City could now face a battle to keep him, likely needing to sell if they can’t agree a new contract with the 29-year-old.

Bale talks

Cardiff City are said to be stepping up their bid to land Gareth Bale this summer.

The Welshman is being linked with a shock move to the Bluebirds ahead of his Real Madrid exit at the end of this month.

And according to the BBC, Cardiff chief Mehmet Dalman has now flown to the UK to begin negotiations with Bale.

The forward spoke after Wales’ qualification for the World Cup on Sunday, admitting he would be delaying retirement until after the World Cup.

Spence latest

Tottenham are said to be closing in on a £15million deal for Middlesbrough star Djed Spence.

Spence has impressed on loan with Nottingham Forest this season, helping the Midlands side return to the Premier League.

And according to The Express, Spurs are now edgeing Forest in the race, with Boro resigned to selling their star full-back this summer.