Robins hopeful of bringing in more new faces soon

BRISTOL City are hopeful of adding to Matty James’ transfer in the next weeks as they target five permanent signings to bolster Nigel Pearson’s squad.

Andy King has been at the Failand training ground but the club are keen to make sure he is fit enough to join up at Ashton Gate.

Our website Bristol Live understands that he is keen to join but City believe he needs to prove his fitness and that he will be equal to the rigours of Championship football.

Meanwhile there is understood to be no interest in former Leeds United and Blackburn defender Barry Douglas, despite speculation naming City as suitors.

Douglas is 32 in September and Pearson is not prioritising the fullback positions, having Cameron Pring and Jay Dasilva on the lefthand of defence, with the former expected to step up after impressing at Portsmouth last season on loan.

The 23-year-old was handed nine league appearances under Kenny Jackett helping the south coast side to the upper echelons of the division in his brief spell at Fratton Park.

The club have not ruled out loans and City could revisit both full-back positions at a later date.

“All those options [loans] are available,” said the new Robins CEO Richard Gould yesterday.

“There has been a significant reduction in the size of the squad. We had issues getting players on the pitch last season and we want to improve that. There will be lulls in the market but we don’t want too many last-minute rushes on transfer deadline day. We want a balanced squad. There’s been good early business and hopefully more to come.”

City are however looking for a striker and have an interest in Rotherham’s Michael Smith, although there is competition from Middlesbrough for the forward.