Bristol City's transfer recruitment team and Nigel Pearson have a task on their hands this summer, in what is a key period for the football club.
Pearson enters the final year of his three-year contract and for the time being, he isn't interested in thrashing out new terms and instead wants to focus on completing the campaign. The Robins are just below mid-table and are on course to at least beat their lowly finishes of 17th and 18th, previously recorded under the former Leicester City boss.
Once the season concludes on May 7, technical director Brian Tinnion says that business will begin, with the potential for four new signings in the summer. City have money to spend from Antoine Semenyo's sale to AFC Bournemouth, and there is also the possibility that they will be tested for Alex Scott, who is no longer the clubs best kept secret.
Several Premier League clubs are said to be interested in the 'Guernsey Grealish' but as of yet, it is only speculation and there haven't been any concrete offers from anyone. Some fans are consigned to losing Scott, and just want to enjoy what could be the last few matches of his career. His departure isn't for certain and the club do want to hold talks about extending his contract, which would really keep the foundations in place for a strong promotion push.
This summer also sees several players out-of-contract, and at the moment there are some playing for their future. Several new contracts have been agreed, but not everyone will remain. BristolWorld takes a look at the players that could likely leave Ashton Gate this summer alongside a couple of maybes and the stars that definitely won’t be going anywhere.
17. Andi Weimann - likely to stay
Another player out of contract in the summer after next. Weimann was quality last year, but has been unable to reach the high standards set last year. He could be playing for his future when next season begins. | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
18. Tommy Conway - definitely staying
Conway has enjoyed a breakout season but an injury in January will be frustrating. He’s highly rated and once he returns will add to an already exciting attack. | Getty Images Photo: Dan Isitene/Getty Images
19. Cam Pring - staying
Pring signed a new deal last year but that only runs until 2024. He’s preferred to Dasilva at left-back but is currently at centre-back. Pearson has spoken really highly of him, and so Pring isn’t likely to leave at all. | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
20. Nikita Haikin - could leave
Haikin was playing in the Europa League this season, but now he’s an under study to O’Leary. Would he better suited playing first-team football? He knew he’d be signing up for the role as back-up. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP