CITY are trying to make three signings, including a target man, before next Saturday’s trip to Burton.

David Hopkin will intensify his chase for further recruits on the back of the 4-0 home hiding from Southend, which dropped his side back into League One’s bottom two.

With 10 days left in the transfer window, it is thought the Bantams are looking to strengthen with a big striker, a winger and at left back.

A target man is expected to be a loan signing – which would take them over the maximum of five allowed in the 18-man matchday squad.

Hopes of landing Bournemouth’s Sam Surridge appear to be waning with the increased interest in him within the division. But it is believed City have other potential targets lined up.

The signings for other positions are more likely to be short-term permanent deals until the end of the season, as they did last week with midfielder Jermaine Anderson from Peterborough.

Those deals would involve a negotiated settlement with the clubs where the players are currently at.

Hopkin said: “We are actively working (to bring players in) but it’s difficult at this stage of the season. As I keep saying, you’re waiting on other managers to get back to you.

“It’s whether they strengthen and whether they’ve got players to go out. We’ll get back on that and maybe get a couple in next week.”

With City currently limited for options up front, they may also try to add further versatility beyond bringing in a big man.

One name who might tick the box is former Bantams FA Cup hero Billy Clarke, who has been rumoured to be leaving Charlton by the end of the month.

The 31-year-old, who left Valley Parade for the Addicks 18 months ago, has recently come back from a serious knee injury but has slipped down the pecking order. His contract is up in the summer and he still has a family base in West Yorkshire.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has admitted that the Irishman could be on his way out, although that may change again after striker Lyle Taylor was sent off at the weekend.

Hopkin is determined to restore morale at City this week after back-to-back defeats have hampered the battle to beat the drop. They have conceded seven goals in two games without scoring – with just one effort on target.

Hopkin added: “We’ve had plaudits over the last four or five weeks and I’ve told the players that these things are going to change quite quickly.

“It’s disappointing from where we’ve been. It’s a reality check for everybody at the club where we are in the league.

“The only way we’ll get out of it is making sure the players stay focused, I stay focused and the fans do.

“We move on for another very tough game away at Burton. The players have been fantastic and they need to try and stay positive.

“It’s always difficult when you come in on a Monday morning after you’ve been beaten in the manner we have. But we’ll put it behind us and try to push on.

“Nothing is achieved yet. It’s only January.

“We have to make sure we get back to the things that we were doing well. It’s the basics of football.”