Leeds United youngster Jordan Stevens on Bradford City's wishlist, along with back-up goalkeeper

Bradford City hope to have a new goalkeeper in place for Saturday's League Two trip to Scunthorpe United, but to back up rather than replace Sam Hornby.
TARGETS: Conor Sellars (left) and Mark TruemanTARGETS: Conor Sellars (left) and Mark Trueman
TARGETS: Conor Sellars (left) and Mark Trueman

Meanwhile the Bantams are pushing ahead trying to sign outfield targets too, with Leeds United winger Jordan Stevens on their list.

City have been forced into the goalkeeper market after captain Richard O'Donnell tore a thigh muscle at the end of last year. It is expected to keep him out for up to 12 weeks, during which time they are due to have 16 games.

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Hornby came in for his Bradford debut, and only his 12th senior appearance in all, and kept a clean sheet against former club Port Vale. Regardless of whether a new man comes in in time, he is set to keep the shirt at Glanford Park.

“We're looking to get a goalkeeper in for Saturday's game, all being well,” joint interim manager Conor Sellars confirmed.

“For us at the minute Sam is going to be No1 and I think he deserves that opportunity and that chance and we're going to bring someone in to help push Sam on as well.

“Rich is a massive person for the club and his team-mates and for us as staff. It's not nice for him but football is like that and he's got to focus on his recovery and support the boys. It's an opportunity for Sam to prove himself. I thought he was good in the last game and get a clean sheet so he's got to keep on being positive, keep on trying to keep clean sheets and perform well.”

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Leeds have recalled Stevens from a loan at Swindon Town in the face of interest from Bradford and Salford City. The 20-year-old's contract expires in the summer.

“Jordan's somebody we're aware of,” said Sellars, who has stepped up from the academy since Stuart McCall's sacking. “He's been at Leeds for a few years and we've watched him in their under-23s and at Swindon as well. He's definitely a player we rate.

“We've talked about strengthening, whether that's the starting line-up or impact players. I definitely think we've got areas we can improve, especially impact players, and different types of wingers are something we're looking to invest in.”

Bradford are in “advanced talks” with targets, but there are likely to be outgoings as well as incomings.

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The Bantams will speak with parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers about on-loan striker Austin Samuels. The 20-year-old has been limited to six league starts this season, the last of his two goals coming in the 7-0 FA Cup win at Tonbridge Angels in November.

The return to fitness of Lee Novak, who has taken the captain's armband in O'Donnell's absence, has pushed him further down the pecking order.

“We're monitoring Austin, he's come in on loan and we'll see how he does and go from there,” said Sellars. “We've got a good relationship with Wolves and we've got to make sure we what happens next is right for us and Wolves as well.

“Like any club, people come in, people come out. We're no different. We'll see what happens.

“It does happen in football and we're no different.

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“Myself and Mark (Trueman, Sellars's fellow interim manager) are learning. Lee (Turnbull, City's head of recruitment) has been fantastic, as well as other people in the building, working hard to make sure the players we've identified are the right ones for the club.

“The strategy to make that happen is key. We're happy with where we are right now and we're looking to move forward and get deals over the line.”

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