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.
13. Freddie Ladapo (Rotherham United)
Pompey were interested in the forward back in 2019 after an impressive season at Plymouth but couldn’t match the asking price the Pilgrims wanted. After a move to Rotherham, the 29-year-old has since become United’s main focal point of attack and has turned into a proven goalscorer in both League One and the Championship. Picture: Marc Atkins/Getty Images Photo: Marc Atkins
14. Gavin Massey (Wigan Athletic)
A regular in the Wigan team, Massey was one of the standout performers in Paul Cook’s promotion winning team in 2018. Spells at Colchester and Leyton Orient saw the winger score 23 goals in four seasons, However the goals have dried up for the 28-year-old and he hasn’t scored since 2019. Was a Pompey transfer target under Cook. Picture: Lewis Storey/Getty Images Photo: Lewis Storey
15. Lucas Akins (Burton Albion)
A fans' favourite at Burton, Akins has been a prominent figure at the Brewers since his arrival in 2014. The 32-year-old hasn’t featured so far this season under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbainks revival but has been a regular goalscorer, netting 70 goals in 335 appearances in his deven years at the Pirelli Stadium. Picture: James Chance/Getty Images Photo: James Chance
16. Colby Bishop (Accrington Stanley)
The forward came through the National League after leaving Notts County’s academy, with spells at Worcester City, Boston United and Leamington before joining Accrington in 2019. The 24-year-old is in his third season at Stanley and alongside Charles has helped the Reds challenge the big teams in League One and has also had his fair share of reports linking him with moves away to the Championship. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images Photo: Gareth Copley