SCUNTHORPE and Peterborough are both keen on Rory McArdle.

The Telegraph & Argus understands that two of City's League One rivals are actively pursuing the out-of-contract Northern Ireland international.

McArdle, one of the five considering new Valley Parade deals, is currently on holiday in Cuba while his future is being discussed.

The club's longest-serving player has made 231 appearances since signing in 2012, scoring 15 goals. In the immediate aftermath of City's Wembley woe, the 30-year-old stated that he would like to stay.

But Stuart McCall has admitted that he is not too confident on retaining the majority of the out-of-contract group, who also include first-team regulars Mark Marshall and Tony McMahon, because they are likely to receive better offers elsewhere.

McArdle's rock-solid form in a back four that finished with the joint second-best record in the division has not surprisingly caught the attention of other clubs. Scunthorpe and Peterborough are believed to have already shown their hand.

Play-off semi-finalists Scunthorpe are in the market for at least one new central defender after releasing David Mirfin, who has joined Mansfield.

That leaves Murray Wallace, an ever-present last season, and Charlie Goode as the Iron's only recognised centre halves at this stage.

Boss Graham Alexander said recently: "There are plenty of players available but we have to show a bit of patience, a bit of diligence and try to get the right ones for us.

"You have to wait for the players and agents to make their decisions."

Peterborough fell away in the second half of the season to finish 11 points adrift of the top six in mid-table. Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has revealed they are chasing "stronger characters" to add to the squad.

Without naming any names, he has confirmed that one of the offers they have put in is for a centre back.

MacAnthony said: "We need stronger characters for when the going gets tough. We are targeting people who fit the bill and have done well at other clubs."

City have been linked with Manchester United defender Joe Riley, although a source admitted he was not a name that has been mentioned.

Riley, 20, went on loan to Sheffield United in January but played just twice before suffering a freak accident in training. He dislocated a shoulder after running into a fence at full speed, an injury that ended his season early.