Luton Town eye Bradford City boss Graham Alexander - but one issue could prevent move | OneFootball

The Hatters are on the hunt for a new manager after parting ways with Matt Bloomfield

Bradford City boss Graham Alexander has emerged as a potential candidate for Luton Town's vacant managerial position, but the compensation figure needed could deter the Hatters from making an approach.

This development comes after FLW exclusively revealed on Friday that Luton have drawn up a three-man shortlist that includes Jack Wilshere, Richie Wellens, and Luke Williams.

However, the compensation demands for Wellens have seemingly proved challenging, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting that Leyton Orient could want around £1m for the Leyton Orient man.

This has left Wilshere as the preferred candidate, with his appointment appearing increasingly likely according to Football Insider - seeing as Williams has been out of work since February after getting sacked at Swansea City.

Even so, the potential link between Alexander and Luton carries some emotional weight, given the manager's four-year playing career with the Hatters between 1995 and 1999.

Bradford City's hefty compensation demand if Luton Town want Graham Alexander

According to a fresh report by Nixon via his Patreon, Bradford City have protected themselves with a substantial compensation clause should any club come calling for Alexander.

Nixon notes the undisclosed sum is six-figures - which is a huge investment that clubs would need to make, particularly for a manager currently operating in League One.

This protective measure mirrors the situation Luton have already encountered with Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens, where the aforementioned compensation demand of nearly £1m has perhaps proved to be a stumbling block.

The obvious pattern shows that clubs are increasingly placing higher valuations on their successful managers, making it more difficult for ambitious sides to poach them from their divisional rivals.

Alexander, who lives in Lancashire and is settled - according to Nixon - has been thriving at Bradford since taking charge in November 2023.​

The 54-year-old guided the Bantams to automatic promotion from League Two last season, and he now has them second in the third tier on 24 points after 11 games.

Graham Alexander's Luton Town connection adds intrigue to new manager search

During his time at Kenilworth Road, Alexander made 183 appearances across all competitions and scored 17 goals - after signing for £100k from Scunthorpe United.

So, yes, his previous experience at Kenilworth Road could make him an attractive option for Luton's CEO Gary Sweet, who will surely be seeking positive results consistently after getting rid of Matt Bloomfield.

Luton's decision to part ways with Bloomfield after nine months in charge came after he managed five wins from their opening 11 matches - leaving them in 11th place and well short of promotion contention.

But, in truth, Alexander's situation at Bradford couldn't be more different from Luton's current predicament.

The former Hatters player signed a three-year contract extension until summer 2028 in July, alongside assistant Chris Lucketti, demonstrating the Bantams’ commitment to their successful partnership.

Although there’s nothing to suggest Town are actually in for Alexander, Nixon’s report seems good evidence as to why Wilshire is apparently the closest one for the job at Kenilworth Road, and not their former player.

Alexander's contentment in West Yorkshire is evident, and the huge compensation fee basically confirms to Luton - or any club for that matter - they'd need to pay up if they want to try and persuade him to leave.