CITY are believed to be closing in on their first summer signings as Stuart McCall waits to enter the recruitment race.

Bolton’s move for Eoin Doyle on a three-year deal has been the most eye-catching piece of business during League Two’s long lay-off.

Up to the arrival of Ian Evatt at the newly-relegated side, only Mansfield had been publicly active in the market in the fourth tier.

There have also been few deals taking place in League One as most clubs continue to keep their powder dry in preparation for a possible salary cap.

The £1.5 million limit for the bottom division, which could be voted in at the end of the month, is central to City’s thinking as McCall looks to put his stamp on the squad.

There are players on his radar and it is understood that talks are looking promising with a couple of targets.

McCall understands City’s position about sticking within the proposed financial parameters – and, like many other clubs, they are not rushing in without a firm idea of when next season will kick off.

He said: “The club aren’t going to change their stance until we know a starting date. That’s the vibes I’m getting back.

“We’ve just got to be ready to move when we get that. But I think everyone’s in that situation.”

Bolton’s offer for former City striker Doyle was beyond that of Swindon, who were desperate to keep the Irishman after his 25 goals fired them to promotion.

They are also keen on Jay Spearing, although it has been strongly suggested that the midfielder would not entertain dropping down to League Two after his Blackpool exit. Phil Parkinson appears to be the favourite to take him to Sunderland.

City’s name was among those linked with Spearing but it is not thought that there has been any approach.

McCall admitted that one conversation he has had with a player had fallen down when wages were discussed.

But he feels that those without a club will have to be switched on to how much the situation has changed because of the huge impact of the coronavirus shutdown at the lower levels.

“It’s very strange as a player,” he added. “There might not be anything definite at the minute but, say in a week’s time clubs get a start date and training date then it could suddenly change.

“That player who thinks he’s got three or four clubs interested in him has also got to realise that each club have got three or four targets. You don’t know how high or low you are on that list.

“The player may have three or four clubs interested but those clubs are also looking at another four or five for the same position.

“Obviously finances come into the picture but we really want hungry players. That’s my target as it is with Kenny (Black), Julian (Rhodes) and the club.

“We naturally want good players but I need the right types and characters. That’s what you try to build the team on.

“If it means someone getting £100 more elsewhere and you’d rather do that then that player won’t be for us. It’s about people who want to come and play for this club.”