Ambitious League One promotion chasers Bradford City are set to battle it out with Stockport County for a new forward signing from League Two this January transfer window.
The Bantams have impressed since earning promotion to the third-tier last season.
They sit third at the time of writing, five points ahead of fifth-placed Stockport County and only one point behind Lincoln City, who are occupying the final automatic promotion spot.
However, as 2025 draws to a close, manager Graham Alexander will be keen to ensure his side does not lose momentum in the pursuit of Championship football.
Stockport County are also keeping pace, but a few disappointing results have created a small gap between the play-off hopefuls and the title battle.
Both sides will be keen to get one over on their rivals this January transfer window.
Bradford City and Stockport County Battle for Cheltenham Town Winger Jordan Thomas
24-year-old winger Jordan Thomas only holds a contract with Steve Cotterill’s side until the end of the season, potentially lowering his price as the League Two side looks to avoid losing him for nothing.
The forward does reportedly have a £250,000 release clause inserted into his current deal, but with time running out to sign a new deal, it could weaken the club’s position.
Now, according to FLW, Graham Alexander’s side and Stockport County are interested in securing a potentially cut-price deal for the up-and-coming player.
Millwall, Barnsley, Blackpool and Hibernian All Previously Interested
This is not the first time the Cheltenham man has hit the headlines. League One side Barnsley saw a bid rejected in the summer of 2025. The amount offered was significantly below the asking price, which was set at the £250,000 release clause.
Thomas joined the club for just £5,000 in the January transfer window in 2024 from Bath City, who, as part of the deal, hold a 15% sell-on clause.
Championship side Millwall, League One Blackpool, and Hibernian have all previously held an interest, but no move has yet materialised.
Surprising Situation for Cheltenham Town and Thomas
It was expected in the summer of 2025 that Jordan Thomas would depart the club. The interest was clearly at a stage that convinced former Robins boss Michael Flynn that he would lose the attacker.
However, no deal materialised, which has put the League Two side in a precarious position. The club has two options left: sell him this January transfer window or hope to convince him to sign a new deal and risk losing him for nothing in just a few months’ time.
Whilst it has been previously indicated by Flynn that he is a “great lad”, football is a short career, and the potential to have more options, with a potentially higher wage in the summer, may be more appealing than jumping ship now.
That being said, both the Bantams and County are battling for promotion. If he picks well, he may well have a promotion and be a Championship footballer this time next season. If either side comes formally to the table, there is a clear and difficult decision to be made for all parties.