Stuart McCall was stepping up City's transfer trail on Friday by meeting two potential signings.
The Bantams chief is keeping the identity of his targets under wraps as he looks to bring in around six new faces for next season but he insists his rebuilding plans are well underway.
McCall has already held talks with Huddersfield Town hitman Luke Beckett, who is currently away on holiday as he ponders City's interest.
Talking to the Telegraph & Argus McCall said: "I'm encouraged with the way things are going but I'm not going to get carried away.
"You've got to give players time to make their decisions. Players who are of a good quality don't have to rush in to anything.
"The level of player we are looking for will have other clubs chasing them but the ones we are after would give us a really good shot at being in the top three.
"We've been doing a lot of work and hopefully some of the targets we've already spoken to have been convinced that this is the club for them.
"We're aiming high but realistically high. If we miss out on a couple then we'll at least have given it a right go but if we get them it will be a real eye-opener for people. We've got our foot in the door."
Beckett said: "I've been in and out of the team for both my seasons at Huddersfield and, at my age, I need regular football.
"Signing a three-year contract looked like the right move for me at the time but if I do leave the club, I'll probably look for a one-year deal and review things after that."
McCall has made one summer signing so far - Harrogate Town goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin - but he is not worried about being rushed into doing business.
"There are people away on holiday at this time or some we are eyeing up still playing in the play-offs," said the City boss.
"I could go out now and get a dozen new players but are they better than what we've got?
"Obviously there comes a time when you have to put a time scale on it and I would love to get one or two signed within the next few weeks.
"But it's not how quick they come, it's about making sure they are the right ones."
