Bristol City's search for a central defender will continue after Fraser Horsfall agreed a deal to join Stockport County on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old centre-back was linked with a move to Ashton Gate this summer with manager Nigel Pearson eager to focus his attentions on improving the defence.
Despite Kal Naismith's arrival, Pearson is still eager to bring in at least another centre-back particularly following the departure of Robbie Cundy, who joined Barnsley on a free transfer last week.
Bristol World reported last month how Horsfall was one of the names Pearson was looking at following his successful season in League Two with the Cobblers after they narrowly missed out on promotion.
Horsfall looked braced for a move up the leagues but on Sunday it was announced he has agreed a surprise move to Northampton's League Two rivals Stockport County. The newly-promoted side offered him an "unbelievable" three-year contract, according to former manager Jon Brady.
Stockport's manager Dave Challinor described the transfer as a huge coup and said he has all the attributes to develop into a Championship defender. Reported by the Northampton Chronicle, he said: "Not only is he undoubtedly a fantastic defender, but he is very comfortable in possession of the football and we believe that he can develop into a Championship defender as a minimum with his drive and determination, and the help and advice we can give him."
How serious City's interest was in Horsfall remains unclear but Pearson will undoubtedly have a list of defensive targets that he will look to pursue throughout the summer transfer window.
The manager spoke to the media on Friday where he shared his transfer strategy including the plan to sign three more players while also hinting he could delve into the loan market - although it could depend on potential outgoings.
He said: "To a certain extent it will be about that (outgoings) but maybe two or three players.
The financial aspects of it as well, may dictate it. I don't want to paint a picture that we're in financial difficulties. What we have to do is manage our situation with a realistic and sensible touch, and that's the bottom line.
"I'll be the blocker, more often than not, than the hierarchy, in terms of whether we do deals or not. Because if deals become too expensive, I'll just say no, we're not doing it.
"Because I don't want to go down that route again, I would like us to have an element of equality amongst the squad but, of course, I never begrudge people earning good money, but we have to have a slightly different approach to what we've had in the past, for lots of different reasons."
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