The season may be over but it's been a busy week of action at Bristol City with the preparations in place for a summer of change.
Monday saw City announce their retained list, which was followed by confirmation the Robins had made their first notable signing of the summer following the arrival of Mark Sykes on a free transfer from Oxford United.
Before the announcement, manager Nigel Pearson went on Geoff Twentyman's BBC Sounds of the City radio show in which he all-but revealed the done deal before the official announcement. During a 30 minute chat, Pearson approached a whole range of topics including Nahki Wells and the "wage equality"
"I've spoken to four players who know that their futures aren't going to be with us and that doesn't include Nahki Wells,"
It's clear the relationship between the player and manager remains strong despite Wells' lack of football last season. With one year left on his contract, City are stuck in a transfer quandary with the experienced striker.
"I'd love Nahki to stay with us," Pearson added. "But there are players within our squad who still have another year on their contracts who have been told that their futures won't necessarily be with us."
Pearson was consistent throughout last season in making his point clear by praising Wells for his attitude and commitment during training and among the Under-23s when he put himself forward to play with the youngsters to ensure he maintains his match fitness.
Whether Wells will want to stay at Ashton Gate and spend another long season sitting on the sidelines twiddling his thumbs and waiting patiently for his opportunity ahead of the front three remains a different matter - in reality, almost certainly not.
Despite Pearson's comments, City are understood to be open to letting him leave if they receive an offer. Bristol Live revealed last week how the process is likely to be a long, drawn-out process because he remains one of the highest-paid players in the squad with rival clubs also looking to cut their cloth accordingly amid the financial difficulties and uncertainty of the market.
City also rejected two loan offers for Wells in January, reiterating they are not keen on letting him leave temporarily to help strengthen a rival club.
Keeping him at Ashton Gate for another 12-months is likely to cost City around £1.2million in wages. Levelling out the wage bill remains one of Pearson's priorities this summer which is part of the reason why Kasey Palmer is free to leave.
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