Bradford City manager Graham Alexander says he intends to include striker Jake Young in his squad amid interest from a number of League One clubs.
The 22-year-old was recalled by the Bantams from his season-long loan spell with League Two rivals Swindon Town last week after scoring 16 goals in 25 league appearances. It followed weeks of speculation that the attacker would re-join his parent club after he was allowed to depart in the summer by previous manager Mark Hughes.
Alexander’s arrival at Valley Parade did see a change in fortunes for the Yorkshire club and they did move to within three points of the play-off places last month. However, successive defeats has seen that gap open to five points and they were beaten 4-2 by Crawley Town at the weekend.
Young was expected to join up with the squad against the Red Devils, although injury forced him to miss the clash. There was speculation that his absence was due to interest from a number of League One clubs, who could make a move for his services this month.
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League rules state that no player can represent three or more clubs in one season and with the ex-Forest Green Rovers man having already featured for Swindon, he would be unable to make a move should he appear for Bradford. It is claimed that bids have already been rejected, with Alexander addressing the situation.
“I can only wait and see what happens,” he said, via the Yorkshire Post. “I’m not in charge of him – other than him being a contracted player.
“He’s had a good season so far. He’s played a lot of games.
“If he was fit and available, my intention was to include him. Unfortunately, an injury has ruled him out.
“If he’s fit any time soon, then he’ll be in my plans. But I can’t pick injured players and I never will do.”
The speculation could be short lived, with Bradford set to take on Derby County at Pride Park in the EFL Trophy tomorrow night before travelling to Colchester United on Saturday.
Writer’s View
Bradford are sure to put up a big fight when it comes to retaining Jake Young’s services, with it clear that Graham Alexander sees the striker as pivotal to his promotion pursuit. His form at Swindon has put him on the radar of clubs in a higher division, which will be a cause for concern.
Fans will be desperate to see him pull on a Bantams shirt this week, which would kill any chance of a transfer this month. Losing the player before he has had the chance to lead the line would be a huge blow for the manager, and it is clear that he was brought back with that intention in mind.
Head of Writing
