Bristol City are to give a trial to Dutch striker Anduele Pryor, according to reports in Holland.

And they are hoping to tie up a move for Scotland midfielder Paul Hartley on a free transfer early next week.

Pryor, a 24-year-old Vitesse Arnhem striker, is likely to join the Robins for their pre-season trip to Portugal next week, as they hunt for a proven targetman.

Bristol City have been searching for a powerful forward since Dele Adebola declined a new contract to join Nottingham Forest.

Of Gary Johnson's current frontmen, only John Akinde could be described as a targetman and he has made just a handful of starts since leaving non-league football with Ebsfleet United.

Neither record signing Nicky Maynard or David Clarkson, the new recruit from Motherwell, are likely to provide the physical presence required in the Championship.

Pryor's scoring record - six in 51 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie - is not overwhelmingly impressive. But he stands six foot tall and looks capable of doing a job in England.

A City spokesman said: "We can neither confirm or deny he is on trial. We have a number of trialists with us during pre-season and we won't be divulging any names."

Hartley is a 32-year-old central midfielder who was released by new Celtic boss Tony Mowbray at the end of his contract this week.

The 22-cap international is also thought to be interesting City's Championship rivals Cardiff and Ipswich Town as well as Greek club Iraklis Salonika.

He began his career with Hamilton Academical in 1994 before a season with Millwall. Spells with Raith Rovers, Hibs and St Johnstone were followed by a four-year stint with Hearts where he won the Scottish Cup with current City players Jamie McAllister and Lee Johnson.

A £1.1m move to Celtic took place in January 2007 where he went on to play in the Champions League.

Hartley started both of Scotland's 1-0 wins over France in the unsuccessful Euro 2008 Qualifying campaign where he impressed as a defensive midfielder.

Hartley's signing will give City four central midfielders - Marvin Elliott, Cole Skuse, Johnson and the newcomer.

Despite Elliott's decision to sign a new contract this summer, City fans will still fear that Hartley's arrival means the former Millwall man could yet be sold.

Meanwhile, City winger Michael McIndoe has not yet completed his mooted move to Sheffield United.

The Scotsman's departure could involve a swap deal with the Blades' Australian left-sided player David Carney.