GARY Bowyer will insist on the personal touch with his City summer signings.

The Bantams boss is making progress as he looks to land the first targets of what is expected to be a hectic off-season rebuilding for League Two.

But he wants to make sure that he has a good idea of the personality of the players he aims to bring in.

Bowyer said: “We feel we’re making inroads, for sure, with targets we’ve identified and spoken to their representatives.

“You go to the next stage now where other clubs have announced their retained lists and who you can and can’t speak to.

“You set up meetings to sit down with the players and get a feel of what the person is like, first and foremost.

“You want to explain to them the history of Bradford City and the importance of the club to the community.

“You get a gauge of whether I feel personally they can handle playing in that environment and are suitable for us.”

According to reports in the north-east, City are being linked with teenage Newcastle defensive midfielder Matty Longstaff.

Swindon are also rumoured to be keen and plenty of lower-league interest is expected as the Geordies look to give the 19-year-old a first taste of senior action out on loan.

Bowyer worked with his older brother Sean on loan at Blackpool when the youngster played 45 games in 2017-2018.

The City chief admits the right recruitment is crucial to ensure the Valley Parade supporters are back onside after such a poor campaign.

“There’s a big job to be done in reconnecting with the fans,” he added.

“To do that, it’s not just performances on the pitch but events away from it.

“You see how players behave generally. We’ve got to have a working relationship and you do diligence on them in terms of character references.

“What are they like when they are out the team and around the place?

“We need to make sure they go out and represent this club properly.”