Bradford City boss Graham Alexander says he plans to include striker Jake Young in his squad, despite interest from several League One clubs.
The 22-year-old was recalled by the Bantams following his season-long loan stay at League Two rivals Swindon Town last week, having scored 16 goals in 25 league outings. It follows weeks of anticipation that the attacker might return to his parent club after former boss Mark Hughes allowed him to go in the summer.
Alexander’s arrival at Valley Parade did result in a shift in fortunes for the Yorkshire club, as they moved within three points of the play-off places last month. However, repeated defeats have increased the margin to five points, as they were defeated 4-2 by Crawley Town over the weekend.
Young was supposed to join the squad against the Red Devils, but an injury forced him to miss the match. There was suspicion that his absence was due to interest from many League One clubs, which could make a bid for him this month.
League rules say that no player can represent three or more clubs in the same season, and because the ex-Forest Green Rovers man has already played for Swindon, he would be unable to make a move if he appeared for Bradford. It is said that bids have already been rejected, and Alexander has addressed the situation.
“I can only wait and see what happens,” he told The Yorkshire Post. “I’m not in charge of him, save that he’s a contracted player.
“He’s had a good season thus far. He has played a lot of games.
“If he was fit and available, I intended to include him. Unfortunately, an injury has kept him out.
“If he gets fit soon, he will be in my plans. But I can’t and never will pick injured athletes.
Bradford will face Derby County in the EFL Trophy at Pride Park tomorrow night before travelling to Colchester United on Saturday, so the conjecture may be short lived.
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