New signings unlikely this window - Manning

Bristol City are "unlikely" to bring in any players on a permanent deal or loan this transfer window says manager Liam Manning.

The Robins have seen three players go out on loan this January with Kal Naismith joining Luton, Fally Mayulu going to Sturm Graz and Rob Atkinson to Portsmouth.

Manning said finances are partly behind the reason there will likely be no one incoming before the deadline on 3 February.

"It's looking quite doubtful to be honest," Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.

"That comes down to two things - some of it budgetary. We had quite a big summer in terms of what we brought in so it's looking quite unlikely that financially we'll be able to."

Bristol City are eighth in the Championship, three points outside the play-off places which they are trying to reach for the first time since 2008.

However Manning said he believes there is a "real strength" in the squad he has.

"At the same time it's not always about adding," he said.

"I've said a little bit around keeping your core ones which when you look at the squad - this January versus last January when we finished the window and it's a lot stronger now and we've got a lot more options and depth and more quality."

However Manning said he does not see Mark Sykes "going anywhere" this transfer window amid speculation of a move away.

The midfielder has been heavily linked to a move to Stoke City and Manning said there had been interest in him.

The 27-year-old, who joined in 2022 from Oxford, has made 15 appearances for the club this season having missed almost two months between November and January with a hamstring injury.

"There's been a little bit of interest, I sat with Sykesy yesterday and again today," Manning said.

"I think it's one of those, he's really happy here, he's enjoying it, I think he's really hit a level recently with us and pre the injury and then since coming back he's done extremely well.

"For me I don't see him going anywhere."