CITY may be tempted to test Accrington's resolve again with a move for another of their leading lights.

The Bantams are in the market for right-sided defenders following the decision not to sign Gordon Greer.

Stuart McCall, Edin Rahic and the coaching staff have been discussing possible targets with the League One opener against Blackpool only 11 days away.

One of the names likely to be under consideration is Matty Pearson at Accrington.

City have already raided Stanley this summer for Shay McCartan in a deal believed to be worth around £200,000.

Keighley-born Pearson has a growing number of admirers after making 103 appearances in two years at the club. He also scored eight goals last term.

Although chiefly a right back, at 6ft 2in the former Oakbank School pupil offers strong cover in the middle. He has played right across the back four for Accrington because of injuries and suspensions.

When asked about his versatility last season, Pearson said: "Anywhere across the back, I feel comfortable in any position.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm a centre half, the next minute I feel like a right back."

Accrington would fight tooth and nail to fend off any offers for the 23-year-old, who still has another season left on the contract he signed in December 2015.

They did not want McCartan to go and would hate to lose another of their main players, especially with the new campaign so close.

McCall, meanwhile, is optimistic that Alex Jones will face Newcastle at Valley Parade tomorrow. The striker missed Saturday's friendly with Sunderland because of a tight groin but is back training.

City will assess Dominic Poleon, who rolled his ankle during the game. Timothee Dieng is also being treated carefully with his niggly hip that is taking longer to clear than expected.

McCall said: "We're hopeful on Tim but if there's any doubt, we've got to learn lessons and not take a risk. You'd rather him miss a game now than by trying to play him make it worse.

"It's the same with Dom and we won't take any chances with him, especially with Charlie (Wyke) not available yet."

Wyke has resumed running after suffering a small tear in his hamstring but he will not be ready to train fully again for another week, which makes him a doubt for the big kick-off.

Teenage trialist Jordan Gibson gets another chance to catch City's eye in today's behind-closed-doors game against Manchester United under-21s.

The left-sided midfielder, who spent the last two seasons with Rangers, has impressed in two cameo substitute appearances.

Gibson set up a goal and hit the woodwork at Eccleshill and then came off the bench to net City's late second against Sunderland.

McCall said: "We'll have a look at him again in the Man United game but he's done well so far."

One issue with Gibson could be that City already have two young left wingers in the squad in Tyrell Robinson and Ellis Hudson.