Nigel Pearson has made it clear that he doesn't think Bristol City will have much money to spend this summer as they look to gear up for the 2022/23 Championship season. 

City finished the season in 17th – a disappointing result even though they stayed clear of the relegation battle throughout.

The Robins will want to be competing higher up the table next term and supporters would love to see progress as the project under Pearson continues to gather momentum.

There might not be a lot of money to spend but adding the right reinforcements is still going to be vital for the South West club.

Making the most of the free agent market should be a priority, with plenty of good players out of contract, and with that in mind we've highlighted eight potential targets that they should pursue.

In our eyes, these eight would fit into the Robins squad perfectly...

He may be 37 but Curtis Davies played every minute of the 2021/22 Championship season for Derby County and scooped their Player of the Year award.

Alan Nixon has reported that Pearson is interested in bringing the centre-back to Ashton Gate to add more experience to his squad and it's a move that would make a lot of sense given City's defensive issues.

Only two teams conceded more goals than the Robins this season and signing Davies, who is set to become a free agent with his Derby deal running down, could help to solve that problem.

Right-back/right wing-back is a problem position for the South West club, with George Tanner still learning his trade and a lack of other options.

City have crowbarred left-back Jay Dasilva in there this time and relied on young players like Alex Scott and Ayman Benarous.

Signing Kane Wilson, who won the EFL League Two Player of the Season award after scoring three times and providing 14 assists as he helped Forest Green Rovers win the division, would give Pearson more options on the right flank.

The 22-year-old will become a free agent if new terms are not agreed with his current club soon.

If City are looking to add a new centre-back then bringing Alfie Mawson back to the club makes sense.

His injury record is a worry but if he can stay fit, you have to feel he would improve the Robins backline.

The centre-back is set to leave Fulham as a free agent and impressed for City while on loan a few seasons ago – though his contributions were limited due to injury.

Still just 28, the defender is someone that the South West club should certainly consider.

With Callum O'Dowda set to leave the club, there's a lack of pace in Pearson's squad.

Signing Jérémie Bela could help solve that issue and would be a really smart bit of business considering he's set to leave Birmingham City as a free agent.

The Frenchman's versatility would also be useful as he's featured as both a winger and a wing-back under Lee Bowyer.

A proven Championship player that offers something City don't have much of – it should be a no-brainer.

A more left-field option when it comes to centre-backs, Julian Jeanvier's Brentford career looks set to end at the end of the current campaign.

He's struggled to make an impact since they were promoted to the Premier League but was a useful asset at Championship level.

With that in mind, the 30-year-old could be a good addition to Pearson's squad as he looks to shore things up defensively.

Having been on £7,100-a-week at Brentford (Salary Sport), he should be affordable for City as well.

Han-Noah Massengo's tearful reaction at the end of the final game of the Championship season hinted that his time with City could be set to end soon while Andy King may also be on his way out.

That means more midfield reinforcements are needed and Josh Laurent, who is on course to leave Reading as a free agent this summer, would be a phenomenal signing.

He's shown over the past two years that he's able to influence games from the centre of the park and would certainly add quality to Pearson's squad.

Another Royals player whose contract is up this month, Andy Yiadom would solve City's right-back issue and provide Tanner with someone to learn his trade from.

The 30-year-old has nearly 200 Championship appearances to his name and won the Reading Player of the Season award for 2021/22 – having been one of the most consistent players at the club.

His four-year deal at the club ends this summer and he may be tempted by the project Pearson is building in Bs3.

Nathan Byrne may well opt to stick with Derby despite their relegation to League One but if he's keen to play Championship football next season, City should be in contact with him.

The right-back would be a fantastic addition – offering defensive solidity and quality going forward.

At just 29, he could be Pearson's first choice for a few years and allow Tanner to continue to learn his trade until the 22-year-old is ready to take over.