Bradford City have set their sights on Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell as a replacement for the recently departed Mark Hughes, according to Football Insider.

The Bantams went into the new League Two season as one of the favourites for promotion after falling short in the play-offs thanks to a two-legged extra-time defeat against eventual winners Carlisle United. However, they endured a difficult start to the campaign and Hughes was dismissed last week following a defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

Midfielder Kevin McDonald was put in temporary charge, despite only joining the club from Exeter City in the summer. His first game at the helm saw the Yorkshire team enjoy the new manager bounce, winning 1-0 at home to Swindon Town and they face Grimsby Town tonight in their first fixture of the EFL Trophy Group Stage.

McDonald is not thought to be in the running for the full time post and a host of names have been linked to the position, including former League Two winner Danny Cowley and ex-Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell, but it is the Railwaymen's current manager Lee Bell who is reportedly being targeted.

According to Football Insider, Bradford are keen to bring in one of League Two's brightest prospects following Crewe's excellent start to the season. Bell has overseen a huge transformation at The Mornflake Stadium and his side are currently in sixth position. They are four points off leaders Notts County and have hit a staggering 28 goals in just 12 games.

A former midfielder at Cheshire side, Bell retired at just 32 before joining Crewe's academy setup. He eventually worked his way up to taking over the senior side last year, guiding the team to a comfortable mid-table finish after taking over from Alex Morris in December.

The 40-year-old will take charge of tonight's EFL Trophy fixture against Wrexham, but speculation is likely to continue ahead of their League Two clash with Tranmere on Saturday.

Writer's View

It's a surprise to see Bradford linked with Lee Bell, although there is no doubting that he is one of the brightest up-and-coming managers in League Two. Crewe would surely be due compensation should he depart for Valley Parade, but there are also plenty of managers not currently tied to a club who are available without stringent negotiations with a league rival.

Danny Cowley looks tailor-made for this position and may be willing to drop back into League Two, a division in which he has also tasted success with Lincoln City. Bell would be a great appointment too, and it will be interesting to see how this develops.

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