Bristol City are pushing hard to recruit Peterborough United's Ivan Toney, Bristol Live understands.
The Robins are determined to add to their frontline this window and after discussions over Eddie Nketiah and Connor Wickham have faltered, City are planning for talks over the League One hotshot.
Toney has been a target for City for some time and the former Newcastle United forward is one of the hottest properties in the league below, having scored 17 goals in 26 appearances so far this campaign.
Bristol Live understands that a valuation of around £9 million is not putting off City, who hope to make a breakthrough in the transfer market soon in their search for a new frontman.
Indeed, Toney has even attracted Premier League suitors given his outstanding performances this season, with Brentford also credited with an interest.
City enjoy a good relationship with Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony - as evidenced by Mo Eisa's move to London Road in the summer and Sam Szmodics linking up with Darren Ferguson's team on loan last week.
It is understood that any bid for Toney would not include Szmodics as a makeweight with the 24-year-old remaining very much part of Lee Johnson's long-term plans.
MacAnthony is determined to not sell for less than Toney's worth, but Peterborough have a track record of developing players and selling them on for good fees as the bigger clubs have come knocking. City are willing to spend big on the right player.
The 23-year-old is regarded as the outstanding prospect in the English third tier and with his pace, power and intelligent movement off the ball City could finally recruit that bit of sparkle to light up their front line.
Lee Johnson has previously worked with Toney, too - having taken the front-man on loan while as the boss of Barnsley.
Meanwhile, work continues on trying to prise Lyle Taylor away from Charlton with a bid last week made but branded "ridiculous" by Addicks manager Lee Bowyer.
Taylor, who's out of contract in the summer, will meet with Bowyer next week to thrash out his future and the Robins are waiting in the wings in case he decides to leave South London.
A move for Nahki Wells continues apace too with City hopeful of a resolution soon, with talks continuing with Burnley.
The Clarets are one of several Premier League teams interested in City midfielder Josh Brownhill and it remains to be seen if a mutually agreeable deal between all parties materialises before the 11pm deadline on January 31.
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