Offloading high-earning players was always likely to be central to Bristol City's summer plans but Preston North End's reported interest in Nahki Wells needs to be handled carefully by the Championship club given Antoine Semenyo's injury. 

Wells has been a transfer bust for the Robins, who spent around £5 million to sign him from Burnley in January 2020 and have got 19 goals in 100 games in return.

That's not all been down to the player but as he's one of the club's highest earners (£15,192-a-week as per Capology) and has just one year left on his current deal, he's someone that ahead of the summer many fans would've been hoping to see depart.

With that in mind, Bristol Live's report that Preston have made initial contact with the South West club about the 32-year-old, who is a player on the Deepdale outfit's list of targets, should be good news.

It is understood that for the time being no official approach has been made, rather Ryan Lowe and co. are sounding out what it would take to prize Wells away.

Under usual circumstances, offloading the striker would be an opportunity that City should certainly make the most of – even if that means letting him depart for free.

However, the injury to Semenyo means that the Robins need to be careful when considering Wells' situation.

The 22-year-old forward was a key player for Nigel Pearson's side last season but they will have to start the 2022/23 campaign without him as he is facing up to three months out with a shin injury.

That leaves Andi Weimann, Chris Martin, and Wells as City's senior forward options.

With that in mind, letting the Bermuda international leave would mean they're short ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Either they need to line up replacements for Wells or be sure that the likes of Tommy Conway is ready to play a proper role at first team level.

Letting Wells leave if Conway is not ready and a replacement isn't found would be sloppy and short-sighted business from the Ashton Gate club.

Getting the 32-year-old off the wage bill is a positive move but with Semenyo out, they just need to make sure that they're careful to ensure they have a proper replacement.