Bradford City have outmuscled Stockport County in the race to sign Burton Albion‘s Jake Beesley.
The 29-year-old has been a long-term target for the Bantams, who reportedly tabled a six-figure offer late in the January window as part of their bid to strengthen the squad in a promotion battle.
Hatters Interest Revealed
Now, according to Alan Nixon and his Patreon page, City have pipped Stockport County to the post to sign Jake Beesley after the Hatters launched a late move to try and hijack a move to West Yorkshire.
The Brewers forward scored 13 goals and notched nine assists across 47 appearances in his debut season with Albion, who he joined 12 months ago from Blackpool for an undisclosed fee.
Stockport are searching for new striking options this summer amid speculation that Adama Sidibeh could be sold just months after arriving at the club, with reports from Football League World suggesting that the Gambian forward is of interest to Swansea City and Queens Park Rangers.
City, meanwhile, are in the midst of a rebuild this summer having lost three strikers at the end of the campaign, and have also been linked with Michael Smith from Preston North End; however, it is believed that the completion of Beesley’s deal would end the interest in the former Sheffield Wednesday man.
Beesley Could Launch City Upwards
Given the unexpected success Bradford City enjoyed in their first season back in League One, many will be tipping the Bantams to have a fallow year as sides will know what to expect from Graham Alexander’s outfit.
Indeed, their chances of replicating that success may have taken a critical blow following news that Max Power is actively pursuing an exit to rejoin Wigan Athletic, meaning that the Valley Parade side will have to replace their captain and find a new midfield partner for Jenson Metcalfe.
However, news of Jake Beesley nearing a deal to join the Bantams will be very relieving to fans of the club, finally giving the side a proven League One striker after a season of rotation up top.
Many people were handed regular stints up front, with Will Swan, Stephen Humphrys, Kayden Jackson and at times, Ethan Wheatley all rotated around throughout the season.
Beesley should come in as the new main man up front for City, and will offer a dangerous aerial threat to be taken advantage of, considering the preference of their wide players in Tyreik Wright, Ibou Touray and Josh Neufville to try and cross the ball into the box.
It is a good deal for the Bantams to make, and if they are able to find an adequate replacement for the outgoing Power, there is no reason why the Bantams cannot replicate their success and mount another playoff bid come May next year.
