Championship transfer round-up: Bristol City refuse to budge on striker, rivals eye Premier League starlet

After three weeks of the summer transfer window, Bristol City remain one of the Championship’s most active clubs and already look in a good place ahead of next season.

The Robins have brought in three new players on free transfers, as well as tying Timm Klose down to a contract extension.

Meanwhile, Callum O’Dowda, Kasey Palmer and Robbie Cundy have all left the club and it is expected that Nigel Pearson’s transfers both in and out certainly won’t stop there.

With a month to go until the season begins, we take a look at the latest transfer news from Ashton Gate and beyond...

Preston refuse to pay fee for Robins star

Bristol City striker Nahki Wells has recently been heavily linked with a move to Preston North End, however Bristol Live have reported that the Lilywhites aren’t willing to cough up any cash to bring in the 32-year-old.

Wells has a year remaining on his contract and is also one of the highest-paid players at City, however the Robins aren’t budging on their demands and will be happy to see the forward stay if Preston don’t crack.

Wells made 32 appearances in the Championship last season, however only managed three goals.

While it is thought he is eager for more game time, Pearson could also be tempted to keep hold of the veteran forward after Antoine Semenyo suffered a long-term injury.

Reading target Premier League starlet

Reading are in desperate need of some decent signings this summer after narrowly avoiding relegation last time out.

Football Insider have reported the Royals are one club among many eyeing a loan deal for Leeds United’s Jamie Shackleton, with the midfielder keen on increasing his minutes on the pitch.

The 22-year-old joined the Whites’ academy in 2006 but has struggled to establish a regular place in the team since they returned to the Premier League, making 14 appearances last season.

If Shackleton was to join Reading he would be guaranteed first team football following the departures of John Swift, Josh Laurent and Andy Rinomhota.

Watford eye South American star

Watford are yet to make their first signing of the summer but are thought to have added Cagliari’s Nahitan Nandez to their targets, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

The report claims that the Hornets and the midfielder’s agent have made first contact today as they look to bring Nandez to England.

The 26-year-old spent most of his career in South America before moving to Italy in 2019, where he has become a regular for Cagliari.

One aspect that makes the Uruguayan international so attractive to the Hornets is his versatility and is able to operate either as a central midfielder, a winger or a wing-back.