Derek McInnes has been told he is not required to sell before he can buy during the January transfer window.

Bristol City announced an annual loss in excess of £11m last month and the manager is under pressure to reduce the Ashton Gate wage bill.

The Robins are currently running with a first team squad of more than 30 players and, like previous manager Keith Millen, McInnes has been told to cut numbers wherever possible.

Damion Stewart, Marlon Jackson, goalkeeper Lewis Carey, Christian Ribeiro and Joe Edwards have all gone out on loan, but there have still been no bids for transfer-listed striker Nicky Maynard.

McInnes has already recruited Stephen Pearson on a short-term contract from Derby County, signed Ricky Foster from Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee and brought in Chris Wood on loan from West Brom until the end of the season.

Eager to bolster his defence before the January transfer window closes in a little under two weeks, he is now scouring the market for a left-back and a centre half.

And chief investor and former chairman Steve Lansdown is giving the Scot his full backing as he attempts to steer the club to npower Championship safety.

"I'm always on the lookout for good players and I'm still looking," confirmed McInnes, who has been linked with possible moves for Fulham left-back Matthew Briggs and Middlesbrough centre-back Stephen McManus in recent days.

"If I feel there are players out there who can come in and give us something extra within the restraints of our budget, hopefully, we will be competitive enough to go and get them.

"It's not totally dependent upon me getting players out. Of course, the books have to be balanced, but I'd like to think I'm still in a position to bring in a good player if one becomes available.

"I'm grateful to Steve Lansdown for allowing Chris, Stephen and Ricky to sign. I am well aware we already have good numbers at the club and his support is welcome. I just hope the players we have signed justify that support."

McInnes is keen to sign England Under-21 international Briggs on loan until the end of the season.

Omitted from Fulham's first team squad since November, the Londoner was in Bristol for talks late last week, but had to return to the capital when his partner went into labour with the couple's first child.

Although McInnes would like to clinch a deal for Briggs before Saturday's home game against Doncaster Rovers, rival clubs are now thought to have joined the race for the youngster.

City have also been linked with Boro defender McManus, although it is understood there has been no contact between the two clubs.Boro boss Tony Mowbray needs to move players on ito finance new signings.

City's home Championship clash against Cardiff City, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, has been selected for live screening by Sky Sports with a 5.20pm kick-off.