Leyton Orient rejected numerous bids from Bristol City for striker Dominic Ballard, which were worth around £3 million. Leyton Orient is requesting around £5 million for the player, and Bristol City appears unwilling to meet that price. Ballard was recently identified as Bristol City's main target, but after multiple offers were rejected, they are now considering other players.

Dominic Ballard, a 21-year-old English centre-forward for Leyton Orient, is a potential incoming transfer for Bristol City and appears in a list of the club's transfer rumours for the summer 2026 window. During the 2025/2026 season, he scored 23 goals and provided 5 assists in 40 League One appearances. Ballard joined Leyton Orient in September 2025 and is contracted until June 2028. He has been capped six times for the England U20 team, scoring two goals. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €2.00m.