City are refusing to be dragged into an auction for a new striker.

A proven hitman is top of the list for what is shaping up to be a busy transfer window for Phil Parkinson.

But Mark Lawn stressed that the club will not get caught up in signing one at all costs now – and risk paying over the odds.

Price tags are often inflated by the mad January scramble and there could be better value in waiting for the summer.

Co-chairman Lawn said: “If we can get ourselves a 15-20 goal-a-year striker in January, then all well and good.

“That’s what we need but it would have to be the right person and Phil’s got a list of targets.

“Hopefully we will get at least one (new player) in but we’ve been here before. We’re absolutely not getting involved in an auction. The pressure of the market will dictate.”

Parkinson understands the board’s caution but has already stated he feels the squad needs beefing up now. Despite recording back-to-back wins for the first time in his reign, the City chief insists there is still room for improvement to keep that momentum going.

He said: “Obviously money spent now might impact on what’s available in the summer. The two chairmen have made that clear.

“But any decisions made are between us for both the short and long term.”

City are approaching the loan deadline for several of the current squad and are keen to keep Andrew Davies and Ricky Ravenhill, as well as Marcel Seip when his three-month contract expires a week on Saturday.

They have also opened talks with Falkirk about Jack Compton after losing fellow winger Kyel Reid to a hamstring injury on Boxing Day.

Lawn highlighted Davies as a key figure in the club’s recent upturn and believes the Stoke centre half will agree to remain at Valley Parade.

He said: “We’ve got to understand where we are in the league but we will do our best (to keep him). Andrew is certainly enjoying it here.

“He is different quality – but what would you expect when you’ve got a player on Premier League wages?

“He obviously wants to play at the highest level but he is putting himself in the shop window here by playing every week.”

While Parkinson hunts a strike partner for James Hanson, he praised Nahki Wells for his performance alongside the big man against Crewe.

The Bermudian’s third goal for City may have been a lucky one but Parkinson thinks he is taking to the role.

The Bantams boss said: “Nahki is a handful because he’s got incredible athleticism. He’s got pace and he’ll just keep going.

“We want him to play it simple in the middle of the pitch, chase things down, and that’s when he shows that extra bit of quality that he’s got.

“It’s about educating him about being a forward in this division. The good sign for Nahki is that he’s learning quickly and you’ve got to do that in football.

“For me, he’s at the start of that learning curve. There’s a lot to come from him.”