Bristol City are edging towards a very important summer transfer window to arrest their gradual slide in the Championship.

The Robins announced the signing of Mark Sykes earlier this week to bolster their midfield contingent for next term.

The former Oxford United man is something of a like for like replacement for Callum O'Dowda and will be hoping to adjust quickly to the second tier under Nigel Pearson.

Bristol City were perennial play-off challengers under Lee Johnson, but have been a bottom half outfit since he left at the back end of the 2019/20 season.

Some shrewd additions this summer should be able to complement the talent already in the squad, to help the Robins push for a top half finish in 2022/23.

The club were fairly reliant on individual performers in 2021/22, and probably cannot expect the same output from Andreas Weimann to keep them clear of the relegation battle next season.

Here, we have put together a list of seven steps that would help the Robins achieve the perfect summer window...

Keeping hold of Han-Noah Massengo would be a huge step in the right direction this summer.

The 20-year-old clearly has the potential to play in the Premier League in the future, but his contract at Ashton Gate runs out at the end of next season.

In terms of asset management, if there is no chance that Massengo signs a new deal, it could be worth cashing in now rather than only recouping a compensation payment for his services next summer.

However, selling the Frenchman a longer term project to commit his future to would be a master-stroke.

The club are in a similarly difficult situation with Antoine Semenyo.

The precocious forward's contract runs out in the summer of 2023, but convincing him, and his representatives, that the Robins are on an upward trajectory in the long term could persuade him to extend his deal.

Semenyo is not ready for Premier League football yet, and would benefit from hanging around at Ashton Gate as a first team regular for another season or two.

He has the potential to score 20 goals or more in a season, if given the right service.

Bristol City are in a much stronger position when it comes to Alex Scott.

The teenager has three seasons remaining on his contract, and therefore even if he is sold, the club are in for a hefty fee.

The 18-year-old is a very exciting talent and put in some eye-catching displays this season, the youthful exuberance of Semenyo, Scott and Massengo, combined with the knowhow of Weimann and Chris Martin is a lot to handle for Championship defences. Improving other areas of the pitch would lead to progression in terms of the league table, if the promising trio hang around.

Kasey Palmer has not made a league appearance for Bristol City since mid October and should be moved on if possible this summer.

The attacking midfielder has fallen out of favour under Pearson, and should be sold in the upcoming window, with one year remaining on his current deal.

The 25-year-old is still a very effective player at second tier level when onsong, but his prospective playing time appears to be very limited going into next season.

Getting him off the wage bill would be sensible.

Elliott Moore has attracted the interest of the Robins, as per The Mirror, and the centre back would represent smart business this summer.

City have to start being more defensively solid if they are going to improve next season, and the 25-year-old's leadership qualities could facilitate that improvement.

Moore would have some familiar faces in Sykes and Rob Atkinson to help him settle in and would add an aerial presence to the backline.

The Robins have recruited effectively in League One and Two in recent years and should follow the same plan this summer.

Joe Ralls would be an excellent signing on a free transfer this summer.

The Cardiff City stalwart's deal in the Welsh capital expires this summer, and he would add some much needed Championship nous in central areas.

The 28-year-old would provide a nice balance between youth and experience in the squad, and could be an upgrade on Andy King if the former Leicester City man does not sign fresh terms this summer.

Central midfield is something of a problem area and bringing Ralls in would go some way to addressing that, especially if Massengo departs.

Better still for the Robins, Josh Laurent looks set to become a free agent this summer due to the financial constraints in place at Reading.

The 27-year-old should be plying his trade in the top half of the second tier at this stage of his career and would be a statement addition.

Laurent is the type of signing, despite no transfer fee involved, that would make other squad members and clubs take notice of the Robins' recruitment, and expect an improvement on their showing in 2021/22.