The non-league market could well be fertile ground to land some of the game’s up-and-coming players ahead of the new head coach’s first full campaign.
So we’ve scoured the National League for some of the most exciting players operating at that level this term – here’s some of the gems who could make the step up.
9. Dan Pybus
The combative midfelder tops the duels list in the National League (357) in an ever-present campaign which saw York City move to tie the former Bradford man down to a new two-and-a-half year deal this month. Photo: Emma Simpson
10. Tyler Cordner
A total of 222 interceptions and 32 blocks are a high so far this season for Aldershot's left-sided centre-back who agreed a one-year extension to see him contracted at the Recreation Ground until the summer of 2025. Photo: Jacques Feeney
11. Ryan Colclough
The Chesterfield man's 145 progressive runs to date is a divisional high - an average of 4.72 every 90 minutes for the left-sided winger or attacking midfielder. Seven goals and six assists so far this term, but is now 28. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
12. Regan Booty
Part of a Maidstone side who are rock bottom of the National League which makes the central midfielder's stats all the more impressive. Booty ranks first for progressive passes (451) and final-third passes (526), second for deep completions (51) third for long passes (464) and fourth for through balls (38). Six goals and four assists registered to date for the 24-year-old. Photo: Harriet Lander