CITY’S patient search for a new head coach is “looking likely” to reach a conclusion next week.

Co-owner Stefan Rupp has been at Valley Parade to assist chairman Edin Rahic as they narrow down the list of potential candidates.

The T&A understands that they have a couple of choices in mind to fill the vacancy left by Simon Grayson nearly a month ago.

But they have not ruled out a possible late change of heart should other candidates suddenly become available at this stage.

That could potentially leave the door open for former Bantams defender Paul Heckingbottom, who was yesterday sacked by Leeds after just 16 games in charge.

Rahic said: “We have had several meetings with candidates now and it’s looking likely that we can agree with someone next week.

“We won’t be making any comments on rumours, or about coaches leaving other clubs”

Grayson left City on May 8 but Rahic is comfortable with the drawn-out timescale as they target a successor who will fit in with their vision for the club.

“When we signed Stuart (McCall), we only spoke to two or three managers maximum at that time in one or two days,” he added.

“We have two years of experience of English football now and wanted to take the chance to speak with several candidates to listen to their ideas.

“The candidates we’ve spoken to are all very interested in a mid to long-term project and are all more than happy to be judged not only by results, but by the development of the players.

“The targets and ideas we have as a club are not usual for league one and therefore it takes a little bit longer find the right candidate.

“You have to speak with several people and have several meetings to have a really good feeling about them.

“We have to find someone willing to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”

The absence of a head coach has not hindered recruitment plans so far. City have already boosted the squad with the signings of Joe Riley and Josh Wright.

Rahic said: “Players are signing for the club and not for a manager. That’s the message.

“The head coach is a piece of the puzzle; he’s a very big piece, but just one.”

Strikers and attacking midfielders are thought to be high on City’s agenda.

Kristian Dennis, who nearly joined City from Chesterfield on deadline day in January, signed for League Two play-off semi-finalists Notts County for £150,000 on Thursday.

City had maintained an interest in the 21-goal forward but club sources have suggested he was not a serious summer target. It is understood they did not make another offer.