Bristol City are entering the race to sign Sam Tickle from Wigan Athletic, rivalling Queens Park Rangers for his services.

The Loftus Road club were reported to be interested in taking on the England youth international, with Alan Nixon reporting on Sunday that Julien Stephan’s side would have to muster up between £1.5 million and £2 million for his services.

Robins Eye Tickle Swoop

Now, a battle to sign the Wigan shot stopper is set to commence, with Football League World reporting that Bristol City have expressed their own interest in signing the 24-year-old.

Emerging through the Latics academy, Tickle made the step up to become the first-choice goalkeeper in Greater Manchester in 2023, and quickly earned plaudits for his performances in an otherwise dour period for the club.

He has frequently earned suitors from the leagues above, with Preston North End eyeing a deal in 2024, with the following summer seeing Sheffield United eye up a bid should they have sold Michael Cooper.

Bristol City will need to find a new first-choice goalkeeper over the summer following the loan exit of Radek Vitek, who could face another move away from parent club Manchester United this summer given the success of Senne Lammens at Old Trafford.

QPR meanwhile have a key focus on recruiting someone between the sticks after confirmation that Paul Nardi and Ben Hamer will leave West London once their contracts expire at the end of the month.

City Must Make Transfer Splashes

Bristol City have faced a season of mediocrity after the collapse of the momentum they enjoyed under Liam Manning, and now owner Steve Lansdown must do what he can to get the club back into the playoff conversation.

They have already made a big statement on the managerial front, activating an over-a-million-pound release clause to recruit Lincoln City’s Michael Skubala to lead them forward, but where the biggest ground can be made is on the transfer market.

A new goalkeeper was always going to be a priority this summer, with Radek Vitek sure to earn a move to a top division following his efforts at Ashton Gate and in his other loan spells away from Manchester United.

While some may have tipped Skubala to push for a reunification with former goalkeeper George Wickens this summer, Sam Tickle is a more than ample replacement, and perhaps easier to get given Wigan Athletic’s struggles to make progress.

Tickle has frequently sat at the top of League One for saves made and goals prevented since coming to the fore, and should Skubala opt to play his low-possession game while in the South West, then having someone comfortable under constant pressure will be key to their defensive fortunes.