Bristol City's opening day rivals Sheffield United 'approach' striker as Hull City eye free agent

Bristol City kick-start the new campaign with an away trip to Bramall Lane next weekend to play Sheffield United. The Robins made the play-offs last season under former boss Liam Manning. However, they were beaten at the semi-finals stage over two legs by the Blades.

Manning has since left Ashton Gate for a new challenge with fellow Championship side Norwich City. Gerhard Struber, who has managed Barnsley in the past, was picked as his replacement. He cut ties with FC Koln earlier this year and is now back in England.

Bristol City’s rivals eye Oli McBurnie reunion

Bristol City’s opening day rivals Sheffield United have made an ‘approach’ to re-sign Oli McBurnie, according to The Star. Ruben Selles’ side face competition from Ipswich Town, Hull City and Swansea City in pursuit of his signature. The player is a free agent after parting company with Las Palmas.

McBurnie, 29, played for the Blades from 2019 to 2024. He went on to play 159 games for the South Yorkshire outfit in all competitions and scored 29 goals, six of which came in his first year. The Yorkshire-born man has a big decision to make on where to go next.

Former EFL man Lee Hendrie has delivered his verdict on his situation, as per a report by Football League World: “It’s no surprise that Oli McBurnie has interest from the top end of the Championship. “He was at Sheffield United and he's had a taste of what it's all about, he knows the club. Ipswich are trying to replace Liam Delap, which is always going to be tough. There's no doubt that him going to Chelsea for that sort of money just shows what kind of player he is.

“It's whether they want to go down the experience route or try and bring a younger centre forward in. But I think both of these clubs will be very close to getting his signature because of the calibre of player he is and what he can produce.

“He's a clever footballer and he's more than capable of scoring goals. So, I think this one's going to be a tough one to call over who's actually going to win the battle if anything, but it’s no surprise at all that these two clubs are pushing to get him.”

Hull City eye Duncan Watmore

Hull City are ‘keen’ on attacker Duncan Watmore after his exit from Millwall, as per journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon page. The reporter says the Manchester-born man will pick his next club this weekend. Blackpool have also been credited with an interest in him.

Watmore, 31, would give the Tigers more competition and depth at the top end of the pitch. He is also experienced and would be a useful person to have in and around the dressing room. The ex-England youth international has played over 300 games in his career to date.

Millwall snapped him up back in 2023 and he was a key player for the Lions. He found the net on five occasions last season before heading out the exit door. The forward is now weighing up his next move in the game. He has also had spells in the past at Altrincham, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, among others.