GARY Sawyer has been told he faces a long wait if he wants to join Bristol City.

The former Plymouth Argyle left-back, whose Home Park contract expired this month, is hoping to land a permanent deal with City after impressing during a one-month loan spell towards the end of last season.

Sawyer impressed in Championship games against Derby County and Blackpool and made no secret of his desire to remain in Bristol next season.

Negotiations have already commenced between Sawyer's representatives and Ashton Gate officials, but new Robins manager Steve Coppell is in no hurry to make new signings.

The 54-year-old Liverpudlian has suggested he will delay strengthening his squad until after the players report back for pre-season training in July, a stance which leaves Sawyer in limbo.

Coppell revealed: "The talks haven't really progressed because I want to make an assessment before I act.

"In an ideal world, I will know everyone who is available and then get to know the players after they report back on July 1.

"I can look at so many DVDs of games, but it is only when I see a player train that I can see what makes him tick and how he might fit in. Only when you see that, can you start making decisions."

Coppell has denied reports that he is set to raid Reading, the club he left 12 months ago.

Recent speculation has linked City's new manager with a possible move for Royals stars Ivar Ingimarsson, Adam Federici and Jem Karacan, as well as Dave Kitson, the former Reading striker now playing at Premier League Stoke.

But Ingimarsson has just signed a new one-year deal and Coppell admitted: "It will be difficult for me in many ways.

"I speak with Brian McDermott (Reading manager) quite regularly and I think he is conscious of the hovering cloud of Steve Coppell at Bristol City and whether I will be interested in any of their players.

"They have the players they want to keep buttoned up in the interests of continuity and I don't think I will take anyone from Reading."

Meanwhile, City Academy products Danny Ball and Joe Lennox have signed professional contracts and will join the first-team squad for training on July 1.

A centre-back by trade, Ball can also operate at left-back, while the pacy Lennox spent much of last season playing on the wing.