Bristol City are reported to be in talks with Derby County regarding Town target Steve Davies. The Blues have been chasing the 24-year-old all summer but view the Rams’ asking price, believed to be £1 million, as excessive, while the Robins are also long-time admirers of the former Tranmere frontman having previously been linked with him back in May.

Davies is set to leave Derby this summer for unspecified family reasons with a move to the south, ideally nearer London, his preferred option.

Speaking on Saturday, Blues boss Paul Jewell, who signed Davies during his time in charge at Pride Park, said Town and the Rams were far from agreeing a fee: “Steve Davies is a player I took to Derby and one I admire, but it’s all down to cost. If the deal was right for us and we could afford him, we’d take him.

“People want you to go out and buy players but it’s not a bottomless pit I’ve got, so I’ve got to be prudent in the way I try and work.

“I spoke to Derby and Nigel Clough over the summer and asked about the fee and the fee is far in excess [of what we can afford]. Don’t ask me what that is because that’s between the clubs, but I haven’t got that amount of money.”

Speaking early last week, Derby boss Nigel Clough felt Davies's exit might be getting closer: "There is still a fair bit of interest in him. The interest seemed to cool at the end of last week but there are one or two possibilities now and we will know more towards the weekend."

Blackburn Rovers, who are looking for more strikers after recent signing Leon Best was ruled out for six months with a knee injury, were also recently reported to be interested.

Meanwhile, former Blue Connor Wickham has been linked with a loan move from Sunderland to Wolves as part of a deal which would take striker Steven Fletcher to the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis.

Town have been linked with a loan move for the 19-year-old on a number of occasions since the end of last season with Jewell confirming that Town have “first say” if the Black Cats make him available on a short-term basis.

Photo: Action Images

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