Bristol City’s former transfer target available for free after League One exit

Experienced Football League striker Connor Wickham has become available for transfer after his contract with Forest Green Rovers came to an end. Wickham joined the League One outfit on a six-month deal, but his stay hasn't been extended and he is now free to speak to other clubs.

The 29-year-old had a trial period with Championship club Reading in the summer, but ended up at The New Lawn, playing in the third tier for just the second time in his career. Wickham found the net nine times in 20 matches, scoring six goals in 16 matches, making him Forest Green's top scorer across all competitions.

Ian Burchnall will now have to do without the former Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesdar striker, who is not bound by the transfer window. At the time of his departure, Forest Green were bottom of League One, and are two points adrift of safety in their first season at this level.

A statement published on the FGR official website read: "We can confirm that Connor Wickham has left Forest Green Rovers after his short-term contract expired.

"We thank Connor for all of his efforts during his time at FGR and wish him well in the future."

Wickham has not played since December 10, and has been ruled out with a foot injury. No substantial reports have yet arisen about where he will end up next. He has repeatedly been linked with a move to Bristol City in the past, and was a move to Ashton Gate was touted in January 2021, when Dean Holden was in charge.

The former Sunderland forward had been close to joining City in the past before, and had been said to have been close to joining when Lee Johnson was at the helm. City and Johnson opted to sign Nahki Wells, who recently signed a two-year deal, extending his stay to 2025.

A move for Wickham remains unlikely at this point in time with the strike partnership of Nahki Wells and Tommy Conway preferred. Antoine Semenyo's contract was extended by a year, but transfer speculation has ramped up, with reported interest from Premier League clubs. If Semenyo were to depart, then the door could open for Wickham, though he has a similar mould to Chris Martin, who has found himself out of favour in recent weeks.