Lincoln City eye Portsmouth, QPR January transfer target | OneFootball

Lincoln City are already laying plans for life in the Championship next season

Lincoln City are already making summer transfer window plans in the event that they gain promotion from League One.

The Imps are in a strong position to claim one of the two automatic promotion places this season, with their sights set on earning their place in the Championship.

The club have not competed in the second division of English football since 1961, but Michael Skubala’s side are edging ever closer to ending that 65-year wait.

A 2-0 victory against rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday gave the team a 10-point advantage over Bolton Wanderers following their draw against Blackpool.

Lincoln also have a game in hand on the third place side — meaning they could extend the gap to the Whites to 13 — with just 13 games remaining.

Skubala’s team have now won six of their last seven in League One, as they sit just one point behind league leaders Cardiff City ahead of their crunch trip to the Welsh capital next month.

Lincoln City eye Luke Graham summer deal

According to Alan Nixon, Lincoln are preparing to pursue Luke Graham from Dundee this summer, provided they clinch promotion to the Championship.

However, they are expected to face a lot of competition for the Scot following his impressive performances in the Premiership this season.

The 22-year-old has made 26 appearances this term, and has also contributed one goal, with the team currently ninth in the table.

It’s believed that the Scottish outfit have set an initial asking price of £2 million, as they anticipate interest from a lot of clubs at the end of the campaign.

Skubala is keen to reinforce his defensive options, and it’s understood that he sought a deal for the defender in January, but the club were unable to complete a deal.

QPR, Portsmouth and Sheffield United were all linked with a move for Graham during the winter window, but they too were unable to get a transfer over the line before the market shut.

Pompey reportedly had a six-figure offer turned down by the Premiership side, who are now seeking at least £2 million in order to sanction his sale.

It remains to be seen whether Lincoln can get over the line and seal promotion, but it will surely be necessary at this point in order to have a chance at securing Graham’s signature.

Next up for the Imps is a home clash against Blackpool on 28 February in a 3pm kick-off.

Luke Graham signing has potential for Lincoln

Graham has performed well in Scotland this season, going from strength to strength at Dundee as he’s become a more prominent part of their squad.

It’s no surprise that there are so many teams interested in his signature as a result, and a £2 million offer could look quite reasonable by the summer.

However, Lincoln will almost definitely need to seal the deal on their automatic promotion pursuit in order to stand a chance of bringing him to the club given the level of interest in him from Championship sides.