Bristol City play-off rivals to bank huge £20m transfer budget boost as ex-Sunderland star gains PL interest

Bristol City fans' hopes of an FA Cup run were dashed at weekend as Wolves ran out 2-1 winners in a closely fought contest at Ashton Gate.

The four-time FA Cup winners, who last won the competition in 1960, named a close to full strength team for the contest and showed off their quality in the opening half an hour as Liverpool-linked Rayan Ait-Nouri and summer signing Rodrigo Gomes gave the Old Gold a comfortable two goal lead.

Bristol City worked their way back into the game with a superb Scott Twine free kick in the 46th minute and were much improved in the second half as they threatened to equalize against a nervy Wolves team that were wasteful in front of goal.

“It’s quite clear we’ve got a load of work to do, we’re under no illusions.” Said Robins boss Liam Manning after the match as his side turn their attention back to the play-off push.

He added: “We’ve got levels we can go as a group and when you step on to the pitch, you need a healthy arrogance, or whatever you want to call it, that belief has to be there and I definitely thought we showed more of that in the second half.”

Bristol City, who are three points adrift in the play-off race, are expected to be busy in the remainder of January, but what is the latest on their Championship rivals?

Here’s your round-up of all the main transfer headlines from the second-tier:

Atlanta United plot monster move for Middlesbrough star

MLS side Atalanta United have expressed a strong desire to sign in-form Middlesbrough frontman Emmanuel Latte Lath in January.

The Ivory Coast attacker has fired in 10 goals in 26 Championship games and has been in sensational form for Michael Carrick’s team.

The 26-year-old’s recent displays have earned him interest from a number of Premier League sides, but as it stands Atalanta are the frontrunners to strike a deal, with the Northern Echo reporting that an MLS record-offer of £18m plus £2m add-ons has been made. Latte Lath is under contract at Boro until the summer of 2027, with the option of a further year.

Chelsea and Spurs take interest in West Brom star

Former Sunderland striker Josh Maja is another example of a striker that is making a huge name for himself in the Championship this term.

The Baggies forward has registered an impressive 12 goals from 26 appearances for the managerless side, who remain sixth in the table and just inside the play-off despite Carlos Corberan’s mid-season move to Valencia. Maja has been the standout player for West Brom this season and has been identified by Chelsea and Spurs as someone that could make the jump up to the next level, according to reports from Fichajes.

The Spanish outlet claims Maja has been valued at around £15m by the Hawthorns club but claims Albion are desperate to ensure he doesn’t leave this month.

Experienced Blackburn Rovers star tipped for exit

Blackburn Rovers veteran Kyle McFadzean has reportedly expressed a desire to drop down two divisions after hearing of interest from League Two side Chesterfield.

The 38-year-old, who has played just one Championship match this season, is reportedly seeking a move closer to his home in South Yorkshire and is interested in the project at the SMH Group Stadium, according to a report from the Derbyshire Times.

Last season’s National League winners, who returned to the Football League for the first time in seven years, are 10th in League Two and six points adrift of the play-off places.