The latest talking points from the Championship as Bristol City celebrate a key victory over Norwich City

Bristol City boosted their play-off ambitions with a well-deserved 2-1 victory at Ashton Gate against Norwich City.

The Robins took charge of the contest in the early stages and took the lead in fine fashion when Mark Sykes, the hero at Sheffield United, opened the scoring with a fine curled finish after cutting inside and gliding past an opposing defender.

Nakhi Wells, who returned to the line-up for the first time since his recent injury, doubled the home side’s advantage with an excellent low driven finish after controlling the ball effectively on the half turn.

Liam Manning’s side dominated large exchanges of the contest but were given a late scare in the 82nd minute when Norwich’s star of the season Borja Sainz reduced the deficit with his 18th strike of the season from close range.

Bristol City face a difficult away test against automatic promotion hopefuls Burnley in their next match and will look to prove that they are play-off material with a positive result against a tough to break down Clarets side at Turf Moor.

For the time being, Bristol City can relax after an excellent start to the weekend, which could still improve if results go their way. In the meantime, we take a look at the latest talking points from around the division, including a major update from Sheffield United.

Sheffield United plot bold move for former Norwich hero

Sheffield United have been linked with a summer move for former Norwich City star Gabriel Sara, who was reportedly of interest to rivals Leeds United during the summer window.The Brazilian made the Championship Team of the Season last year after registering 13 goals and 12 assists as the Canaries finished sixth, eventually losing to Leeds in the play-off semi-final.

The Whites, who ultimately missed out on promotion last term at Wembley Stadium, were heavily linked in Sara, but the footballer tempted by the prospect of Champions League football and major honours opted to complete a move to Galatasaray for a fee thought to be northwards of £20m.

Sara has managed two goals and seven assists in 36 appearances since signing for the Istanbul giants but could be on the move once again, according to local outlet Fanatik which claims Sheffield United chiefs are working on a possible deal to strengthen the team for the Premier League if they are to achieve automatic promotion to the top-flight once again.

Leeds United ‘homecoming’ mooted

Leeds United are believed to be considering a fairytale offer to try and bring Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road. The Whites experienced the England international at his pomp as the team lifted the Championship title in 2020 and stabilised themselves as a top-flight team in the two years that followed before dropping down to the second-tier in 2023.

Phillips made 234 appearances in total for his boyhood team and was the heartbeat of the club’s midfield under an exuberant Marcelo Bielsa system. His form even earned him England recognition and notably the country’s Player of the Year award for 2021 after a near miss in the delayed European Championships as the Three Lions lost on penalties against Italy in the final.

However, Phillips found football at Manchester City hard to come by, making just 31 appearances across all competitions in two and half injury hit years. He spent time on loan at West Ham at the end of last season but struggled for form and failed to secure a permanent switch to the capital.

As it stands, he is currently on loan at Ipswich but has struggled to produce his best football for Kieran McKenna’s struggling side. Phillips is still adored by the Leeds faithful and according to Sun Sport is a target for the Whites if they win promotion, with Leeds scouts keeping close tabs on how the midfielder is performing at Portman Road.