City are in the dark over rumours linking Ritchie Jones with Port Vale.

Jones hopes to return to the squad against Northampton tomorrow night after missing the Aldershot win with a sore back.

The midfielder has had a frustrating campaign so far, with injuries and illnesses restricting him to only two appearances.

But the Bantams are unaware of any reported interest from Vale boss Micky Adams.

Assistant Steve Parkin said: “We haven’t heard anything but I can understand why this story has cropped up. Ritchie is a strong athletic player who is not in the team at the moment through no fault of his own or ours.

“He’s had injuries to deal with and had a stiff back last week. The season’s not really got off and running for him.”