Bristol City could sell striker Nahki Wells in this transfer window, according to reports.
The Darren Witcoop of the Sunday Mirror Report that the Robins are “open to offers” for the Bermuda forward, if Nigel Pearson is able to find a suitable replacement for the 31-year-old.
City paid Queens Park Rangers around £ 5million in January 2020 for the former Bradford City and Burnley striker, but he has become something of a peripheral figure under Pearson, being sent back into the wings – a foreign role for a player who has scored 80 league goals to his name over the years – by Dean Holden and often kept by his successor.
The Robins have signed three times this summer – Andy King, Matty James and Rob Atkinson – but have yet to sign a direct replacement for Famara Diedhiou after leaving for Turkey at the end of her contract in BS3.
City fans have asked the club to close more business in the transfer window to give them a better chance of competing in the top half of the division, but Pearson has been clear saying the new arrivals are dependent on sales of players.
The manager is believed to want another striker in a more traditional mold than short and fast Wells, who has made two league appearances this term, both on the bench.
Chris Martin has been the manager’s chosen starter so far in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
International reports this week suggested that City are interested in Brazilian striker Andre Silva, from Arouca in Portugal.
As previously reported by Bristol Live, Rotherham United’s Michael Smith, valued at around £ 1.5million, is also a striker who is said to be on City’s radar.
Wells’ move could free up capital – and reduce payrolls – so Pearson can get his own man through the door before the August 31 transfer deadline, though supporters are under close scrutiny unless the Robins could get a clear upgrade on one of the more reliable scorers in the second tier over the past decade.
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“I know we’re running out of a guaranteed 20-goal per season, but we can’t afford one at the moment,” Pearson told BBC Radio Bristol earlier this month.
“This is the reality of the current football situation. It’s good to have a wish list, but we have made a very conscious effort as a club to decide to go in a direction where we are trying to reduce payroll but still be competitive and always have a campaign that gives people hope for the future.
“Sorry if I’m partying but there must be a dose of realism.”
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