CITY are set to lose Tyreik Wright - who is off to League One leaders Plymouth.

The T&A understands the Bantams were looking to tie him down on a permanent deal but the lure of playing at the next level - and the possibility of Championship football next season - has proved too strong.

Parent club Aston Villa are poised to recall Wright so that he can seal a move to Steve Schumacher’s side.

Losing the winger, who had made 17 appearances and scored four goals, at the midway stage of the season will come as a huge blow for City. They had been increasingly hopeful of keeping him permanently.

Mark Hughes has more options than most in his current squad with the likes of Abo Eisa and Jamie Walker hungry for further opportunities.

But it was an area in the team that he could confidently box off in the January window with Wright’s pace and directness proving such a key asset.

Now Hughes, recruitment chief Stephen Gent and Ryan Sparks are likely to scour for a replacement while the market remains open.

Plymouth have made four signings already in the first week of the new year.

Schumacher hinted that another was close to being finalised following their goalless draw at Bolton yesterday.
He said: “Obviously, because we are doing well in the league people want to come and play for us, so that's a positive."