CITY will press West Ham for the chance to bring back Josh Cullen on another loan.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder was a huge hit at Valley Parade during his three-month stay last season.

Cullen played 17 games in City's run-in to the play-offs and was only on the losing side four times.

They would love to have a second crack with the 20-year-old, although it is doubtful whether he would consider dropping down to League One again.

The Hammers have already indicated they would prefer to direct him towards the Championship next term to continue his experience.

But the Telegraph & Argus understands the new owners are prepared to bank-roll Stuart McCall in a bid to lure Cullen back to West Yorkshire.

Their interest indicates City are willing to make bids for young Premier League talent.

McCall wants more youth in the squad and has already stressed they will look at the long-term loan route.

He said: "It's no secret last season's loan signings were Bradford's best players; Cullen, (Lee) Evans, (Kyel) Reid and Reece Burke at the back.

"We have inherited some very good professionals in the dressing room – but they are all of a similar age, so we probably need to get a bit of youth in there.

"Obviously the owners are willing to put money in and bring young players in but you have to find ones who want to play in League One.

"There's the loan market if we can get good ones in. The club were very successful looking to bring in loans last year.

"That's what we've got to do, even if it means having to wait. We have to make sure we get the right players for the club.

"It can take time. New managers want to come in and have a look at certain players first before deciding.

"Even if you go down to the goalkeeper route, clubs where players are away on international duty and things like that may need to hang on to their young keepers for training in pre-season."

Burke, crowned City's player of the year last season, is currently on tour with West Ham in America.

Cullen has stayed behind to do rehabilitation work after a recent injury but is just as determined to break into Slaven Bilic's senior plans.

The midfielder said: "The aim is to be in and around the first-team squad. I was on the bench a few times last year and now it's time to kick on with a good loan spell under my belt.

"I need to make sure I try and cement my place in it. I enjoyed my time on loan at Bradford and it helped me gain experience and learn more about the game."

Meanwhile, Jamie Proctor has followed Phil Parkinson to Bolton on a two-year deal. He was due to meet up with the former Bantams boss at their Swedish training camp today.