Parkinson: We’ve all got to be patient over Bradford City targets (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City must play waiting game after placing offers on table

8:20am Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker , Bradford City Reporter

Phil Parkinson has warned fans to sit tight as they wait for the influx of new blood at City.

The Bantams boss is keen to start reworking his squad for a serious crack at League Two next term.

He has identified several players he believes will make a difference and has been tied up in discussions since the final ball of the season was kicked.

But with targets likely to have rival offers to consider, Parkinson knows City will have to be patient for answers.

He said: “We’re having several meetings with players and they are continuing. We’ve put a few offers on the table to people and we’re waiting to hear back.

“The better players will still have options to mull over even though the market has gone down this year.

We’ve put a few offers on the table to people and we’re waiting to hear back

Phil Parkinson

“With the play-offs and things like that, it tends to go into June before a lot of deals get done.”

But Portsmouth winger Kelvin Etuhu is unlikely to be one of the prospective arrivals.

Etuhu was one name considered by Parkinson, although he was not thought to be at the top of the City chief’s long list of possible recruits.

But with Barnsley also understood to be keen, Pompey are ready to offer him a new two-year deal within the next 24 hours.

Boss Michael Appleton said: “I think he has proven his worth since we gave him an opportunity.

“It’s something I would like sorted out quickly and Kelvin has indicated to me he would like to stay with us.”

Barnsley could still try to step in after a move for Etuhu last year broke down over a failed medical.

While Parkinson – who is in the market for a right winger – is prepared to bide his time for now as players shop around, he will only wait for so long.

He said: “It’s getting to the point with a few we’ve made offers to where you have to make a decision (whether to carry on). But obviously the ones you really want are going to be harder to get done.”

City were one of a clutch of clubs to miss out on combative Port Vale midfielder Anthony Griffith last week when he signed a two-year deal with League One side Leyton Orient.

They have also been linked with in-demand Vale striker Marc Richards, a previous target of Peter Taylor during his time at Valley Parade.

Chesterfield and ambitious new boys Fleetwood are believed to be favourites should Richards reject the chance to stay in the Potteries.