Bradford City are poised to reignite their interest in Burton Albion forward Jake Beesley this summer.
The Bantams are in need of some new forward options this summer following the departure of club stalwart Andy Cook, who was one of seven players to be released by the club in their retained list.
Beesley Interest Returns
Graham Alexander’s side head into the transfer window with just three striking options at his disposal in Kayden Jackson, Stephen Humphrys and Will Swan, meaning there is space available for new recruits.
And now, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, they may return for a former target in Burton Albion’s Jake Beesley after their pursuit of the 29-year-old was scuppered in January.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reported at the time that the Brewers had turned away a ‘substantial six-figure bid’ from City in the final days of the winter window after also signing Paul Mullin and Ethan Wheatley on loan in that period.
Nixon states that Beesley could be tempted by any Bradford offer due to the better terms they could offer him than his current side, who he scored 13 goals for in his debut campaign.
Moving from Blackpool, he became a crucial figure under ex-Bantams boss Gary Bowyer at the Pirelli Stadium, with his efforts steering them clear of the bottom four come the end of the season.
City Need Proven Options
Bradford City’s January business was woeful, with only the permanent signing of Kayden Jackson from Derby County proving their worth since donning claret and amber.
Perhaps the worst bit of business was the two other strikers they recruited in Ethan Wheatley and Paul Mullin, both on loan, and neither were able to offer much on the field, coming and going without scoring a single goal between them.
The worries Bradford have had up front is the main thing the club need to address over the summer, and adding a forward option with a proven League One track record will surely instill more confidence.
Familiar with the city given his previous spell at Bradford Park Avenue, Jake Beesley seems to be a long-term target for Graham Alexander and should be some solid recruitment to make.
While not offering outstanding figures, Beesley will offer some consistency and goal threat to a side that have lacked it in their striking department, and with Bobby Pointon and Antoni Sarcevic behind him, he could still deliver a greater tally than his 13 this season.
With just one year left on his deal at Burton Albion, City may also be able to secure him at a cheaper rate than it would have cost them in January, which could afford them the budget for more signings elsewhere on the pitch.
