GARY Bowyer insists James Hanson has not been mentioned in City’s hunt for a target man.

A big striker is on the agenda for the Bantams boss, who is keen to add more physical presence to his squad for League Two.

Hanson’s name has inevitably cropped up – but Bowyer claimed the club’s third all-time leading goal-scorer has not been discussed.

He said: “We could certainly do with a big type up there. It was obvious last year when we were asking Doyler (Eoin Doyle) to be the big target man.

“I think the old-fashioned centre forward is becoming a bit of a rare breed. You used to be able to rattle off the names but that doesn’t seem to be the case now.

“But we’ve not had any conversations regarding James Hanson.

“He’s a Wimbledon player and contracted to them. That’s where that one is.”

Hanson, who scored 90 goals for City, returned to Valley Parade for the final game of last season when a goalless draw ensured the Dons were not relegated alongside them.

He has another 12 months on his contract to run and is understood to be enjoying his time in London.

Bowyer’s three summer recruits so far – Ben Richards-Everton, Tyler French and Sam Hornby – are all well over 6ft tall as he looks to add more inches to the dressing room.

“It’s important,” he added. “You can’t be having one of the best teams in the league and keep conceding goals from set-plays because you’re not big enough.

“It doesn’t matter what league you are in but especially in League Two where set-plays are even more massive.

“It’s something we need to address. At this moment in time, we’ve managed to bring in three lads that will add some size to the squad.

“But they have to be able to play as well.

“I’m not just going to sign big boys for the sake of it. You’ve got to get the balance right.”

Former Port Vale keeper Hornby caught his eye playing in an FA Cup tie against Bowyer’s Blackpool while on loan at Kidderminster.

The City boss feels his signings have all demonstrated they have something to prove.

Bowyer said: “It’s a big thing for me that they display that hunger. It makes working with them even better.

“Sam was very positive about the move straight away when I met him. There’s so much more to come from him.

“It’s about getting the right blend between that hunger and youthful experience and the experienced ones that can go to places on a wet, horrible Tuesday night and are able to get through that.”

Bowyer expects the market activity to step up as clubs head towards pre-season.

“It’s a little bit like a boxing match where they feel each other out in the first couple of rounds. I think that’s where it is for everyone right now.

“But players get a bit twitchy and it will start snowballing more then.”