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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Championship transfer rumours: Spence drops Nottingham Forest hint, Blackburn sign Preston ace

Bristol City got their second name through the door on Friday with the arrival of Kal Naismith from Luton.

The arrival raised a few eyebrows from supporters of both clubs with the deal going under the radar - leading to a statement from the Hatters expressing their surprise at the transfer.

It's so far so good for manager Nigel Pearson following the arrival of Mark Sykes on a free transfer from Oxford, with two important areas of the pitch addressed early doors. Although you can be sure they'll be more names on the horizon with a right wing-back also top of the priority list.

Every Championship club have now processed their released list and therefore more deals are likely to filter through over the weeks with cash-strapped sides hoping to snap up a bargain or two.

Here we provide the Championship transfer rumours and the impact one of the deals could have on City's chase for Kane Wilson.

Djed Spence drops transfer hint

Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League on Sunday could have a knock-on effect in relation to City's move for Wilson. Steve Cooper's side were looking at the Forest Green Rovers man who is available on a free transfer at the end of next month with loanee Djed Spence attracting plenty of interest following his hugely impressive spell.

Forest's return to the top flight has now strengthened their position in landing Spence on a permanent deal as he prepares for a return to parent club Middlesbrough - albeit temporarily.

He was quizzed on his future after helping seal their Wembley success where he admitted he would like to stay with the club in their quest for Premier League survival. He said: "We lose together and win together. We’re going up together. This means everything to me.”

When quizzed if he expects to stay at Forest, he replied: "Hopefully.”

If Spence completes his move to Forest permanently, surely that ends their chase for Wilson meaning City's chances of signing the 22-year-old are strengthened. Watford are also likely to be in the mix for his signature with his former Forest Green boss appointed the new manager at Vicarage Road.

Baggies stopper set for Premier League

West Brom will lose keeper Sam Johnstone this summer with Crystal Palace the most likely destination.

According to Birmingham World, a deal is reportedly close with the England stopper determined to return to the top flight. It is likely to be a five-year deal for the 29-year-old who has struggled for form throughout the campaign.

Johnstone made 36 league appearances this season but was left out of the side for the final month with the contract status uncertain. West Brom then announced Johnstone will leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month.

His arrival at Selhurst Park is likely to spell an end to Jack Butland's time at Selhurst Park with Bournemouth and Rangers both linked with moves for the former Stoke man.

Sam Johnstone's move to Palace could mean Jack Butland's return to the Championship (Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Blackburn Rovers snap up Preston prospect

Blackburn have completed a deal to sign Preston youngster Ethan Walker.

Despite being managerless, Rovers moved quickly to raid their Lancashire neighbours to sign the talented 19-year-old on a two-year contract following his release at Preston. It's not the first time they have plucked talent from their rivals with Tyrhys Dolan joining in 2020.

Blackburn are also thought to be in advanced talks to appoint Duncan Ferguson as their new manager. Footballer Insider write how the Everton coach is close to taking the role, replacing Tony Mowbray who left at the end of last season.

Preston look to sign released Watford striker

Preston are looking to bolster their attacking options by landing striker Andre Gray who is up for grabs on a free transfer this summer.

The Lilywhites relied heavily on the scoring threat of Emil Riis Jakobsen last season with the Danish international bagging 20 goals in the Championship - 12 more than their next best Daniel Johnson.

They are short of options in attack and Gray is one of the names they are looking at, according to Alan Nixon. Gray spent the season on loan with Queens Park Rangers and scored 10 goals in 28 appearances.

The journalist was asked on social media whether the move was possible in which he replied: "Been after him for weeks."

His wage demands could prove tricky with Gray expected to arrive as one of their highest-paid players if the deal goes through.

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