Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley has revealed the club probably need to sell before they can bring anyone in as they look to a frugal summer ahead of their League One campaign.

The Imps secured the title in League Two with weeks to spare but Cowley, who has recently been linked with West Brom, told the Lincolnshire Echo that he's likely to have to sell before he can bring in the targets he's identified.

Bruno Andrade and Ellis Chapman have been linked with moves away from the club and any money generated from those sales would be vital in the Imps' summer plans.

“They [player talks] have been good, they’ve been open and honest. They’ve been positive conversations, but no more than that,” said Cowley.

"It’s a process. We’ve identified our targets and the areas we’d like to improve. But, ultimately, we’re waiting on getting the finance in by maybe moving one or two of ours on and for the market to start moving.

“Unless you’ve got money to spend, nothing moves that quickly at this time of the year.”

The Imps are returning to the third-tier for the first time in 20 years following their title win, their third trophy in as many seasons under the exciting stewardship of the Cowley brothers.

The Verdict

Coming out of the National League is one thing, but moving into a division with the likes of Sunderland and Portsmouth is another. Lincoln's entire budget is likely to be half of the reported fee the Black Cats paid for Will Grigg, a harsh reality of promotion.

Danny Cowley has a good record in the transfer market though and he's pulled gems from non-league before as well as revitalising older professionals. If anyone can work wonders with a tight budget, he can.