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.
21. Danny Rowe (Burton Albion)
The winger has previously worked with Cowley after being loaned to Lincoln twice over two seasons from Ipswich. Although the 29-year-old’s best spell came in the National League, his finest form in the EFL came under Cowley. Snce his time at the Imps, Rowe has failed to impress at Burton. Could a link up with his former boss be on the cards to rejuvenate his career? (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Photo: Naomi Baker
22. Callum Lang (Wigan Athletic)
The 23-year-old forward started his career at Wigan and has been loaned to Motherwell, Oldham and Shrewsbury during this period. His Fir Park loan was cut short though as he impressed in Scotland and has since gone on to prove his worth at The DW by netting 12 times in 23 League One appearances since his return - one of which came against Pompey in August. Picture: Jacques Feeney/Getty Images Photo: Jacques Feeney
23. Ryan Tafazolli (Wycombe Wanderers)
Another player who has worked under Cowley, the 30-year-old played fpr the Blues boss during his time at Concord Rangers. After spells at Hull, Mansfield and Peterborough, the central defender has found his feet at Wycombe and impressed in his first season in the Championship. Tafazolli has continued his fine form this term, playing seven times at the Chairboys sit second in the table. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk
24. Mikael Mandron (Crewe Alexandra)
After coming through the ranks at Sunderland, the 27-year-old has featured for Wigan, Colchester and Gillingham before joining Crewe in 2020. The striker was a stand-out performer in Alexandra’s return to League One last season and again the same can be said about his start to this campaign where he has hit the ground running with three goals to date. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk