Bristol City are hoping to strengthen their first-team squad this summer after dropping to 12th in the Championship table.

The Robins qualified for the play-offs in 2025, but they were unable to contend for promotion to the Premier League throughout the previous year.

Gerhard Struber was fired in late March due to the club’s poor performance, and Roy Hodgson returned to finish the season, taking the team to 12th place.

Bristol City have chosen Michael Skubala as their new permanent head coach, following his success in leading Lincoln City to promotion from League One.

It is expected to be a busy summer transfer window, with the 43-year-old hoping to build the squad to his taste.

The club will have until 1 September to complete any transfer plans before the market closes until January of next year.

Bristol City’s Dom Ballard proposal reaction

According to Football Insider, the Robins’ second bid to buy Dom Ballard from Leyton Orient has been turned down.

Bristol City are looking to improve their attacking options with Skubala’s appointment, and they have turned their focus to the League One striker.

It was previously claimed that the Championship side bid £2.5 million in their first offer earlier this month.

It remains to be seen whether the Bristol club will pursue him further, with FLW exclusively reporting earlier this month that Leyton Orient are wanting up to £5 million for his talents.

The Orioles aim to stand tough on their demands because Ballard has a contract with the club until June 2028, giving them a strong bargaining position.

Last season, the 21-year-old scored 23 goals and assisted four times as Leyton Orient ended 20th in the table.

How Bristol City and Leyton Orient supporters feel about Dom Ballard’s future.

Bristol City fans have encouraged the team to abandon their pursuit of Ballard after a second offer was rejected.

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The Championship side has been told to focus on Will Lankshear and Lorent Tolaj.

Meanwhile, Leyton Orient fans have backed their club’s position on Ballard’s future, suggesting that Bristol City will have to spend more to win the race for his signature.

Leyton Orient has no reason to reduce Dom Ballard’s asking price.

Unless Leyton Orient is truly needy for funds, which there is no evidence of, there is no reason for them to cash in on Ballard at a lower cost.

The striker was a key addition to the team last summer, and they would have been relegated if he hadn’t scored so consistently.

So a sum closer to £5 million is a reasonable ask at this point, especially given that he still has two years left on his contract and is sure to attract interest from other Championship clubs.

If Bristol City are serious in signing the 21-year-old, they must come up with a better offer, or else they will have to turn their attention to other prospects.