Bantams boss Graham Alexander close to first summer signings

The Bantams are poised to unveil their first two signings as Graham Alexander starts to reshape the squad how he wants.

Alexander confirmed that both have verbally agreed a Valley Parade move and he is keeping fingers crossed the deals will go through.

“We’re really close to a couple,” confirmed the City boss. “We’re really hopeful we get them done in the next 48 hours.

“We’ve had good discussions with the players and have come to verbal agreements. It’s just about getting all the paperwork done and stuff like that.

“I never tempt fate because I did it once and it bit me on the backside. So I won’t let that happen again.

“But if we can get these two over the line, we’ll have made a good start to our summer recruitment-wise.”

A report in the north-west last night was strongly linking City with Stockport midfielder Antoni Sarcevic after he failed to agree a new deal with the League Two champions.

Things are beginning to kick up a gear after a busy week behind the scenes that also saw Ash Taylor’s mutually-agreed departure yesterday.

“It’s difficult sometimes because ultimately the season is still going on,” added Alexander.

“We’ve been off for three weeks now and are right into the business of trying to recruit.

“With the play-off semi-finals finished, that’s another two teams whose season is over and players become available.

“There’s a lot of communication between players, agents and clubs for the first couple of weeks of the summer.

“It takes a little bit of time because clubs want to get their best options lined up and players are the same. If things marry up, you get the deals done.

“We’re hopeful to get one or two in the next few days if possible, which will be good, and there are a couple of other players who probably won’t be here at the start of next season either.”

Could Stockport title winner Antoni Sarcevic, right, be City-bound? (Image: PA)

Alexander believes that announcing the first couple of new arrivals can give everyone a lift.

“You can sign players within the first 24 hours of the season finishing but we just want to be disciplined about our work.

“We want to make sure they are the best for what we can afford and what we need.

“There is that thing of getting the ball rolling. I think it always encourages others if they see a team signing good players.

“It’s always a good feeling for the supporters to see the club mean business – and also the players we already have on contract.

“They obviously want to do well and see good players joining their ranks and feel they’ve got a good chance. It’s always a positive.

“Getting that first one or two over the line is a marker in the sand.”