City could have a fifth new face on board before they head back to Apperley Bridge on Thursday.

Phil Parkinson’s men face two days of fitness tests later this week before pre-season training begins in earnest next Monday.

And the Bantams boss hopes to have another signing in the bag when the squad reconvene to begin the build-up for the new campaign.

With a lengthy wait until the season opener at Gillingham on August 18, Parkinson is in no hurry to force deals through.

He has secured four close-season signings so far – central midfielder Gary Jones and defenders Andrew Davies, Rory McArdle and James Meredith – and insists that his plans are progressing well.

“We are gradually getting there and I’m pleased with the ones we have brought in,” said Parkinson.

“There are more signings to come and hopefully there may be one in before the end of the week. We are working on several things so we’re hopeful.”

Long-time target Andy Gray is finally expected to make a decision in the next few days. City have also been linked with former Leeds striker Mike Grella and Scunthorpe winger Gary Thompson, who was on Stuart McCall’s radar four years ago.

Parkinson refuses to discuss his targets and remains quite comfortable with the likelihood of players arriving during the six-week build-up to kick-off.

More may become available as clubs return to training and decide who is surplus to requirements.

The City boss said: “We are starting to get a nucleus bedded down. Realistically there’s going to be activity right throughout pre-season.

“Everybody wants the ideal world and having your squad in place. But we’ve got a long season ahead of us and it’s worth taking a bit of time getting the players that we want.

“I’m really pleased with who we have brought in so far.”

Left back Meredith, the latest recruit, arrives at Valley Parade with only four league appearances under his belt.

The last was back in May 2008 for Shrewsbury against a Rochdale side that included Simon Ramsden and Ben Muirhead.

But he played regularly for York in three seasons in the Blue Square Bet Premier and Parkinson does not see any risk in signing a relative League Two rookie.

He said: “He has done well for York over the years and they have given him a good platform. From what I’ve seen, I’m confident he is good enough to make that step up.”