CITY insist they are relaxed about the wait for out-of-contract trio Charles Vernam, Paudie O’Connor and Elliot Watt to signal their intentions.

Luke Hendrie became the latest player to accept a new deal earlier this week as Mark Hughes continues to assemble his squad for next season.

But there remains no news on Vernam, O’Connor and Watt – who are all thought to be pushing for moves to a higher division.

Hughes has made a strong pitch to keep them in his plans but City accept that they are all likely to head elsewhere.

Chief executive Ryan Sparks made it clear that the delay with the three is not hampering the recruitment drive.

“Those players we’ve made offers to know how long they’ve got to talk to us,” he said. “A couple of those deadlines, if you like, have passed.

“It is what it is really on that front. There is other interest in the players that we’ve not been able to get re-signed and there’s no guarantees they will re-sign.

“We’re not sat in the passenger seat on it. We’re in control of the situation.

“If we feel that we need to move on or we know they are going to move on, then we’ll recruit accordingly.

“We would never force a player to sign for us for the wrong reasons.”

In an interview at the end of last season, Vernam said: “It’s a difficult situation because we’re in an industry where unfortunately the shelf life is not too long.

“But I think to be wanted is a massive compliment and to be wanted by a club as big as Bradford City and have the fans to feel like they have a connection with me as a player is excellent.”

Captain O'Connor, the longest-serving player at the club, started 49 games last season - more than anyone. Watt was the second highest with 45.

In the midfielder's case, City would be entitled to a compensation fee if he left because of his age.

The new signings so far have included centre half Matty Platt and midfielder Ryan East as Hughes looks to cover all bases.

Sparks added: “We’ll be carrying on with our recruitment plan for this summer and we’ll see where we get to. I’m sure things will be cleared up in the next couple of weeks.”

Right back Hendrie is the 10th player to be secured in a hectic month since the final game against Carlisle.

He has been a regular in the side since Hughes came to Valley Parade at the end of February.

Sparks said: “He’s really improved since Mark came in. His data is very good from when Mark took over.

“He’s going to have a big role to play for us.

“He’ll be pushing to get the starting right back spot, I’m sure that’s his aim.

“He’s Bradford City through and through. To have those characters in the building blended with new players and players who have fought tooth and nail to sign for us as well should make for a good mix.”