The Blues boss told The News that targets have already been discussed as he looks to make the most of players’ availability following the expiry of their contracts.
At present, 224 players within League One are due to be available for nothing once their current deals expire next June.
And Cowley admitted he wants to be well posed to swoop if those of interest to him become available.
But with so many poised to join the free-agent ranks, where does he start?
To help him, we’ve identified 24 League One players in the final year of the contracts who could do a job for the Blues.
9. Aiden McGeady (Sunderland)
The 34-year-old has been a fans' favourite at the Stadium of Light for five seasons, despite falling out of favour with Jack Ross and spending time at Charlton. With Premier League experience and 92 caps for the Republic of Ireland, the winger has been a pain in many sides' defences and remains a key player for Sunderland despite his age. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images Photo: Stu Forster
10. Chey Dunkley (Sheffield Wednesday)
The 29-year-old is arguably one of the top central defenders in League One and proved his worth at Wigan, where he seemed at home in the Championship. Following Wigan’s relegation in 2020, Dunkley signed for Sheffield Wednesday but was caught up in their relegation last season. Has featured just six times in Wednesday’s slow start to this campaign. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images Photo: Lewis Storey
11. Ben Purrington (Charlton Athletic)
The left-back is somewhat of a cult hero at Charlton after scoring the equaliser against Sunderland in the 2019 play-off final. The 25-year-old had spells at Rotherham, Plymouth and AFC Wimbledon before signing with the Addicks in 2018. After impressing in League One and the Championship, he has fallen out of favour with boss Nigel Adkins and has only featured twice in League One this season. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images Photo: Jacques Feeney
12. Elliott Moore (Oxford United)
After coming through the ranks at Leicester’s academy and a spell in Belgium, the 24-year-old signed for Oxford in 2019 and has been a regular fixture since. Photo: James Chance