Bristol City are in the market for long-serving Bolton Wanderers right-back Nicky Hunt.

And they are hoping to snatch Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant from under the noses of Burnley.

Bolton have told 26-year-old Hunt to find another club. He has a year to run on his contract but they are prepared to let him leave for nothing.

City have already expressed an interest in the former England Under-21 international and he tops manager Steve Coppell's list of potential replacements for right-back Bradley Orr, who is expected to join Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.

Hunt is desperate to revive a career which has stalled at the Reebok and is prepared to drop down to the Championship.

Although he has not played for Bolton since March 2008, the Lancastrian boasts more than 100 Premier League appearances and enjoyed a successful loan spell at Derby County last season.

He was set to move to relegated Portsmouth on a free transfer last month as a makeweight in a swap deal involving striker David Nugent, but the switch fell through when manager Avram Grant left to take over at West Ham United.

New Pompey boss Steve Cotterill has different plans and full-backs in mind, opening the way for City to make their move.

Coppell refuses to discuss transfer targets, but the Bristol Evening Post understands a deal could be concluded later this week.

Hunt turned down a move to Plymouth Argyle in January, but could be persuaded to end a 10-year stint at Bolton to re-launch his career at Ashton Gate.

Coppell spoke openly this week of his need to make "several" new signings and he is scouring the market for two full-backs, a centre half, a goalkeeper and possibly two strikers.

Sheffield Wednesday have agreed to sell the 27-year-old goalkeeper Grant to Burnley for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £1m.

But Burnley are not due to return from their pre-season tour of Singapore until today and Clarets manager Brian Laws has still not discussed personal terms with Grant. They could now face competition from City and West Brom.

City are thought to have made two offers for Grant, but they have not matched Burnley's offer so far.

City are likely to have to come up with close to £1.5m if they are to improve upon what Burnley are prepared to pay. Sources in Sheffield claim the Clarets have agreed to pay around £1m up front with further payments to be made dependent upon appearances.

Meanwhile, Paul Hartley's proposed transfer to Scottish Premier League Hearts has fallen through.

Aberdeen have now emerged as favourites to recruit the City midfielder.

Hartley has already held talks with Dons boss Mark McGhee.