Bristol City are preparing for Thursday's Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa following an excellent start to the season which has produced four wins from four games.
Head coach Dean Holden is also battling an early campaign injury crisis with a number of important players - Tomas Kalas, Nathan Baker, new signing Joe Williams plus others - on the sidelines.
That may cause Holden to re-enter the transfer market after City initially had got their business done early but, for now, they're taking a watching brief of matters.
Unlike many of their Championship rivals who are getting deals done even though the new season has kicked off. Here are the latest rumours from across the division ...
Ibe set for Rams return
Derby County are edging closer to signing former Liverpool winger Jordon Ibe.
The Telegraph reports that Ibe should sign a two-year deal at Pride Park. The 24-year-old is a free agent after leaving Premier League side Bournemouth at the end of last season.
Ibe enjoyed a loan spell with the Rams during the 2014-15 season when he scored five times in 20 league appearances. He then left parent club Liverpool to join Bournemouth for £15m in July 2016.
Duncan on his way to Derby
Ibe's arrival could also be followed by another former Liverpool academy talent in Bobby Duncan from Fiorentina.
The Athletic claim that the striker is due to sign a three-year contract with Derby after agreeing personal terms following a disappointing 12 months in Serie A.
The 19-year-old left Anfield under a cloud last year when his agent claimed Liverpool were affecting his mental health by not allowing Duncan to move to Italy.
Decisions over Davis
Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis is a target for Preston North End and Derby, Football Insider claim, but the Premier League club are yet to make a decision on his future.
Villa have reportedly offered the 22-year-old a new three-year contract, with his present deal to expire in 2021, but it remains unsigned.
Preston and Derby have both offered to take Davies on a season-long loan, which could then become a permanent arrangement if he doesn't extend his Villa contract.
Eagles eye Brewster
Crystal Palace are favourites to sign Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster, according to reports.
The Swans previously expressed an interest in bringing the 20-year-old back to the Liberty Stadium after his successful loan spell but the England youth international looks set to remain in the Premier League.
Sky Sports report that Palace are willing to pay £19million, plus £6m in add-ons, for Brewster. However, Palace chairman Steve Parish has denied that the club has made an offer.
Sheffield United, Newcastle and Brighton have also been linked with a move for the youngster.
Bees complete double swoop
Brentford have signed former Chelsea goalkeeper Jared Thompson and Iran international forward Saman Ghoddos from Amiens.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a short-term contract and will link up with Brentford's B team initially, while Ghoddos has arrived on loan with an option to buy.
Thompson previously spent some time training with the Bees following his departure from Chelsea in 2017. He has since had spells playing for Chippenham Town and Exeter City.
