CITY are moving in on their first capture of the summer window.

The Telegraph & Argus understands that Mark Hughes is close to landing one of his targets.

The Bantams have various names under consideration with their recruitment up and running.

Chief executive Ryan Sparks insists they are starting from much firmer foundations than in previous years.

“We are certainly recruiting from a stronger position,” he said. “We have a solid and talented core to the squad.

“There are some really good players in our team right now before we start turning the wheels of recruitment.

“We finished sixth in the division and are a far more attractive proposition. We were one game from Wembley.

“People who looked at us last year and saw our finishes of 15th and 14th naturally joined the club with question marks, wondering whether we were going to be competitive in the division because we had not proven that for a few years.

“We have had a relatively strong season on and off the field and that attracts players. I can feel that in the market so far from the conversations we’ve had.”

Nailing down Andy Cook on a long-term deal put down a marker for potential recruits. Talks are believed to be ongoing with Alex Gilliead and Liam Ridehalgh regarding their contract offers.

“This summer will not be the rebuild of last year,” added Sparks. “We brought in close to 20 players last summer - that won’t be necessary this time around.

“It will be a slightly different look to the squad and we’ll see where we go with it.

“We’re looking for a leaner and meaner squad and we aren’t a million miles away.

“We were seven points from automatic promotion and we need to make sure we can bridge that gap.”