Northampton continue to keep close tabs on Matt Duke as he mulls over his Valley Parade future.

Cobblers boss Aidy Boothroyd is a long-time admirer of the experienced goalkeeper, who had a nine-game loan spell with them in 2012 – and remains ready to jump in if he decides not to stay with City.

Boothroyd said: “We’re going to monitor the situation but if he did become available, he’s certainly someone who I would be interested in signing.

“I thought Dukey became a fans’ favourite here very quickly and you can see why, because his performances for Bradford were phenomenal last season.

“If he does become available, then there will certainly be a lot of interest from me and from us. We think he’s a top keeper.”

Duke, who turns 36 on Sunday, performed heroics in the Capital One Cup last season but then lost his place to Jon McLaughlin. He was on the bench when City returned to Wembley to beat Northampton in the play-off final.

Duke, who has doubled up as City’s goalkeeping coach, would face another fight for the jersey next season with McLaughlin already signed on. But Boothroyd is in the market for a first-choice stopper to replace Wigan loanee Lee Nicholls.

Northampton would use Duke purely in a playing capacity. Former England international Tim Flowers is their full-time keeper coach.

Rumours linking City with Burton targetman Calvin Zola are wide of the mark. And midfielder Marlon Pack, who is opting to leave Cheltenham for a higher-division club, is not thought to be as high up their wanted list as initially anticipated.