Exclusive: Lincoln poised to land ex-Man City academy striker

National League champions Lincoln City are set to dip back into the division to land forward James Hardy.

The 21-year-old was one the star men for AFC Fylde as they sealed promotion from the National League North – but they may be struggling to hold on to him.

A host of league clubs are looking at the former Manchester City man, who played in the hole and shone with eight goals and 12 assists – landing him their Young Player of the Year award.

TEAMtalk understands that the Cowley brothers – in charge at Lincoln – have Hardy in their sights and believe he could be a huge signing for them, but there is interest from Championship and League One clubs – so they will have their work cut out to land him.