IN-DEMAND Mark Marshall's relationship with Stuart McCall could be City's best chance of keeping him.

The out-of-contract winger is eyeing a decent reward after enjoying a fine second season at Valley Parade.

Marshall had looked to be on his way out last summer but thrived under McCall's leadership and was named the club's player of the year.

There are strong suggestions that he wants to get back south to be nearer his family and his London roots.

Sources close to the player have confirmed that his form has attracted plenty of interest.

Charlton boss Karl Robinson is definitely in the race and there are other clubs in League One understood to be keen.

Some reports have linked Marshall with a possible Championship move, although connections with City's Wembley conquerors Millwall appear to be wide of the mark.

But Marshall has enjoyed working under McCall and that is likely to be a factor as he considers an initial offer from City.

He played in 50 games last season, scoring six times, after McCall rejuvenated his mood.

When the City boss first returned to the club, the winger seemed to be heading for the exit door after being used sparingly by Phil Parkinson.

But McCall convinced Marshall into giving it another go during the club's pre-season trip to Scotland and he has not looked back.

Marshall's ability to play on both wings and with either foot made him a huge asset in City's drive to the play-off final – and inevitably drew admiring glances from elsewhere.

He is currently out of the country on holiday and nothing is expected to be resolved until after he returns. But he has told the club he will see what they can put on the table first before looking at other options.

Marshall is one of five players currently considering their City future. Tony McMahon, Rory McArdle, Matt Kilgallon and Rouven Sattelmaier have also been given offers to discuss.

Former skipper Stephen Darby was released last week and James Meredith rejected a new deal to play in the Championship for Millwall.