Nigel Pearson on Bristol City’s transfer deadline day plans and Nahki Wells to Cardiff City or Swansea City

Nigel Pearson says that he is open for last-minute transfer business on Monday ahead of the 11pm 31 January deadline, but only if it allows City to bring in a player themselves.

Bristol City striker Nahki Wells was linked with a loan to Cardiff City and Swansea City on Saturday morning, and the Robins manager addressed the chances of something happening before the end of the window.

The Robins are well documented to want to bring in a new forward themselves, and if Wells leaves then it may allow an incoming in the final hours of January.

The Bermudian was an unused substitute at Deepdale on Saturday, as Bristol City drew 2-2 with Preston North End, having started only five of 29 league games so far this campaign, and not since 2 November.

“We’re not in a position to do business in terms of spending,” Pearson told BBC Radio Bristol following the draw in Lancashire.

“So today it was a real bonus to have both Timm [Klose] and Robbie [Cundy, both making their debuts for the club] out there. They are new signings.

“Whether we have departures, I couldn’t tell you, but if a departure happened, would it spark some last-minute business? It depends on whether we can get, if that did happen, the player that we want. I’m not bringing also-rans and journeymen in who are just going to fill number space up.

“I’d rather give some of the kids a bit more leeway,” he explained.

Addressing the Wells speculation directly, Pearson told the written press that: “Maybe there is [interest], but why would we help them? I’ve got no intention of helping anybody.”

The Robins conceded in the 95th minute in the north west to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory, making it eight games away from home in the Championship for City.

But the south west side did play well for long periods, and were seconds away from a morale-boosting-rare win at Deepdale (none since 2011) that would have had the West Country men close to making the top half of the league table.

Instead, one of the team’s awful habits rose its ugly head: City have thrown away 23 points from winning positions this season, and 11 alone from injury time goals. By far, the worst such record in the English second tier.

“I feel like we’re making progress,” Pearson added after the game, despite that late goal, with the Robins on top for much of the contest.

“I feel for the players and fans today, they deserved more,” he added.