Barney Stewart
The most eye-catching link so far has been Falkirk striker Barney Stewart, with reports suggesting City have already had a £1m bid turned down.
That sort of figure immediately makes you sit up. City being interested in a seven-figure striker shows just how much the market has shifted after promotion, even if there are obvious barriers to any deal.
Stewart has enjoyed a rapid rise. After spells in education and non-league football in Scotland, he joined Falkirk in 2024, impressed on loan at Dunfermline Athletic, and finished the campaign with 18 goals overall.
He also won the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year award, which tells you why he is now appearing on plenty of lists. West Brom have also been linked, and there is believed to be further Championship and top-end League One interest.
Stylistically, it is easy to see why City might like him. He is 6ft 3in, strong in the air, mobile, physical and capable of leading the line. The data profile also seems to place him close to players such as Bim Pepple and James Collins, which makes sense given the type of forward we have been linked with.
Whether it happens is another matter. Falkirk are protected by his contract, do not need to sell, and appear to value him above the £1m mark. This feels like the beginning of a long saga rather than a deal close to completion.
Still, the fact City are even being mentioned in this sort of market is significant. Last summer, the expectation might have been six-figure development signings. This summer, it seems the club may be willing to push further if the profile is right.