A COUPLE of League One clubs are preparing to table offers for Jake Young, the T&A understands.

The striker is back with City from his Swindon loan, although he is nursing a slight ankle issue which could affect his involvement against Crawley tomorrow.

The Bantams are not pushing to cash in on his 16-goal half-season in Wiltshire but there is definite interest.

Boss Graham Alexander described that as “lukewarm” at this stage but that could well be firmed up in the coming days.

Rumours on social media, though, that League One leaders Portsmouth could be among those keeping a close eye on Young were effectively shot down last night by Fratton Park boss John Mousinho.

“As long as Jake’s contracted to another club, we won’t comment on that,” he said.

“But as far as we’re concerned, we’re happy where we are in the centre-forward department.”

Alexander confirmed that chief executive Ryan Sparks has fielded calls about Young since the club activated the recall clause in his season-long loan earlier this week.

“I think Ryan has had a couple of inquiries, very lukewarm and nothing specific or concrete,” the City chief told the T&A. “I’d have been surprised if we didn’t.

“When someone has scored 16 league goals in four months, it would be unusual for there not to be interest in that particular player.

“But the scenario is still the same. We’re not looking to sell anybody like that.

“We want him to come back and help us win games, score goals and bring more competition.

“(But) every player in the Football League is for sale at some price.”

Alexander hopes to see Young properly in training today but will not chance him at Valley Parade if he feels the striker is not 100 per cent.

“We’re just going to assess him because he’s had a little niggle. It’s nothing major but he’s had it for a few games and played all the 90 minutes.

“Whichever team we put out has to be a fully-fit one and a team that can commit to 90-95 minutes. We don’t take too many risks with players here.”

Players are only allowed to turn out for two clubs in a season. Young’s absence at the weekend would inevitably stir up speculation that he is being held back for a move.

“That certainly won’t be the case with me,” insisted Alexander.

“Because of the window, it intensifies everything into a really short space of time.

“This is why you’ve got to be ready to act upon anything that comes your way because you can never predict everything.

“I’m just trying to plan for tomorrow’s game and get a team ready to win that.

“All the other work for January and in the future is certainly going on in the background. I’ve got plenty of support on that side.”

Young still has another 18 months on his City contract - plus another year's option in the club's favour. 

That effectively means his current deal would not run out until the summer of 2026, putting the Bantams in a strong negotiating position with anyone making a bid for him.