The Telegraph & Argus reports that Bradford City defender Rory McArdle is a transfer target of both Scunthorpe United and Peterborough United. The Northern Ireland international is out of contract at Valley Parade this summer, but has been offered an extension.
The 30-year-old is currently on holiday in Cuba, where he is mulling over the prospect of extending his lengthy stay in West Yorkshire. He is the longest-serving player at Bradford, and McArdle has appeared 231 times during that period. Following the play-off final defeat to Millwall, he did comment that he would be looking to stay at the club.
Manager Stuart McCall has offered contracts to five players in the hope that they’ll stay, however he is understood to be concerned that not all of them will agree to remain. McArdle has established himself as one of the top defenders in the lower league and it is no shock to see other clubs express an interest. Scunthorpe and Peterborough and looking to build for promotion themselves next season. Graham Alexander and Grant McCann certainly believe McArdle can take them to the next level.
The question is if McArdle will be tempted by a new challenge elsewhere. Arguably a move to a club in the same division wouldn’t strike as too much of an ambitious move. However a change of scenery could be what he needs after five years at the same club. There is no doubt he has a strong affinity with the club and the fans, so that will be playing on his mind as well.
