Mark Sykes, a 28-year-old Irish international, will be available on a free transfer this summer as his time with Bristol City concludes. He has been a versatile squad player for the club since joining from Oxford United on a free transfer in 2022. The midfielder has earned 7 caps for his country. It is reported that several Championship sides, including Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End, are interested in signing him. A suggestion has been made that Watford should pursue Sykes, which would be consistent with the club's transfer aim of adding experienced players. Chairman Scott Duxbury confirmed this strategy. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €1.80m.