GRAHAM Alexander will discuss City’s exit strategy with the players on the fringes as the January window picks up pace.

The Bantams yesterday confirmed they had recalled Jake Young from his 16-goal loan spell with Swindon.

But Alexander wants to reduce the squad numbers during the month to a more manageable amount of around 22 outfield players – five less than the current contingent at training.

“There’s a thought process and discussions going on in-house but you don’t have them with the players until January opens up because then it can be acted on,” he said.

“There will be chats between me and a few players to see what they want to do and how they see their futures.

“If we can bring in anybody to help us improve, then we’re going to try and do it. But there will be more outgoings than in.

“We look to have around 22 outfield players, give or take one or two either way. Twenty seven is obviously too many at the moment.

“It’s a bit flabby and I feel for the players not involved in match days. They are good players and good pros but we can only pick 11 or 18.”

With the busy holiday schedule behind them, Alexander can now turn his focus on those expected to move on.

Chishom Afoka and Rayhaan Tulloch are both set to return to their parent clubs.

Neither loan signing have kicked a ball for Alexander. They both last played against Manchester City under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in October when Kevin McDonald was still in temporary charge.

Others currently out of the picture could also be potential targets in the coming weeks.

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It is understood there has been interest shown in Emmanuel Osadebe and Sam Stubbs, while the likes of Adam Wilson and Harry Chapman have not been included in the squad recently.

Alexander added: “It’s a two-way street. It’s not just me saying one thing and it’s important that the players have their say.

“Some might come to me and say they want to look elsewhere to get some game time. That’s what happens.

“We try to come to a compromise that suits all. But at the end of the day, my responsibility is to do the best for Bradford City.

“I don’t just have that as my only concern. I want to look after players and do the right thing by them.

“But ultimately it has to suit our club and players understand that.

“It’s about treating them with respect and honesty. Sometimes they might not like what they hear but there will always be clear discussions.

“Players know where they stand with me and I also want to get their ideas as well.”