Bristol City boss gives 'frustrated' transfer update and rules out League Two striker return on deadline day

Liam Manning has revealed his frustration at Bristol City's attempts to bring in an attacker before the transfer window closes and has ruled out a return for loanee Seb Palmer-Houlden.

The manager was hopeful that the club could complete a deal to bring in a new body to be available for the Robins' clash with Leeds United on Friday night, but that deadline has now passed.

The January transfer window closes at 11 P.M. Thursday, February 1, and Manning is still bullish that the deal will get done in time.

"Nothing confirmed, we’re very close but it's frustrating," he said. "It drives me mad in terms of not being there yet, but it is close."

"Unfortunately, there's nothing done for the game tomorrow which is the disadvantage of playing on a Friday, nothing to report yet."

Manning has made it clear in recent weeks that the club are in the market for a goalscorer, as City's struggles in front of goal have been clear to see over the last month.

Before their 2-2 draw against Coventry City on Tuesday, the Robins had found the net just three times in seven matches.

Manning continued: "I think it’ll happen, certain bits need to happen which is delaying it a bit, but that’s not on our end at the moment, so hopefully we can get it done in time.

"I'm involved in all of it. I constantly chat with Brian (Tinnion), Tom (Rawcliffe) and Sean (Gilhespy), but when it comes to the actual numbers and negotiations that’s where it changes.

"That’s not on me and I don’t get involved in that side of it. There are agents, the opposition club, so a large number of people are involved which sometimes delays things a little."

If City are unable to bring in another body before the deadline, one man they could turn to to boost their numbers up top is Seb Palmer-Houlden.

The 19-year-old is on loan at League Two side Newport County, where he has netted six goals and made two assists in 24 matches.

While the youngster may not necessarily be the profile of player that Manning is looking for, he could provide something different in attack.

"I spoke with Brian about it, so Seb's going to come in and do a bit of training with us but we’re going to leave him there I think," Manning said.

"Sometimes when you look at it, I think you have to do what's best for the player and their development. He's in a really good spot, he's gaining experience, learning and developing, in terms of bringing him back to be a third choice here and taking minutes off him to be here, for us, it doesn’t feel like the right thing to do.

"He's definitely someone I want to see, someone I want around the group so we’re gonna come up with a programme where he stays with them but also does some bits with us, so that ultimately when it comes to pre-season, he knows how we work and it'll be a good opportunity to look at him there."

In terms of outgoings, Manning sounded confident that there will be no news before the window closes, but insisted that anything could happen.

"There's still time so I‘d never say 100%, but I'm 99% sure that the group we've got at the moment will all be staying."