Former Bantam Ritchie Jones is backing Gary Liddle to take his old club by storm should he become the next summer recruit.

Phil Parkinson will not comment on transfer targets but Liddle has been strongly linked with a switch to City after choosing to quit Notts County.

Liddle, who is believed to be looking for a club nearer his north-east roots, spent six years with Hartlepool before joining the Magpies in 2012.

Jones was a team-mate for two of those – during which time Liddle operated at centre half and even left back, as well as his favoured central midfield role.

The pair still keep in touch and Jones, who now plays his football in Canada for FC Edmonton, reckons he would be an ideal fit for Valley Parade.

He said: “The fans should expect a player who is fully determined every time he steps on to the pitch. Gary has good experience at League One level and would be a great addition to Bradford City.

“He’s a real professional with a good attitude towards the game. Gary’s brave, he’s versatile – being able to play at centre midfield and centre back – and is good on the ball.”

Nottingham sources claimed Liddle rejected the offer of a new contract at Meadow Lane because of family reasons. His partner is due to give birth in five weeks’ time and he is understood to be looking for a club in a closer proximity to home.

City’s early summer business has focused on central midfield after the departure of skipper Gary Jones. Matty Dolan’s loan became permanent, as agreed at the time of the original deal with Middlesbrough, and Parkinson also swooped for Billy Knott.

The potential arrival of Liddle would presumably close the Valley Parade door on Nathan Doyle.

Jason Kennedy is another player whose future at the club is shrouded in doubt. He is still in contract for next year but spent the tail end of last season back with Rochdale on loan.

City are waiting on at least three or four current out-of-contract players to decide whether they will accept new deals.

Player of the year Stephen Darby, Jon McLaughlin and James Meredith are among those whose present ones are up at the end of this month.

Players have 30 days to respond from the time they receive their new offers in writing – and that deadline will be the end of next week.