Cobblers closing in on new goalkeeper

Duke, 35, is currently negotiating a new contract at Bradford City, for whom he was an unused substitute in the npower League Two play-off final win over Northampton.

Jon McLaughlin started that game and is set to begin the Bantams’ league one campaign as their first-choice keeper.

That would mean Duke being retained as a back-up, a factor that has possibly played a part in his decision to explore options elsewhere.

Town are in the market for a stopper following the conclusion of Lee Nicholls’ loan spell from Wigan Athletic.

Nicholls enjoyed a very good campaign at Sixfields but will return to the Latics to compete for a place in their first team following the club’s relegation out of the Premier League.

And 18-year-old goalkeeper Dean Snedker, who signed a three-year professional contract last summer, is unlikely to be bloodied in the senior side at this point in his career despite being highly rated within the club and having already played international football at youth level.

Which means Aidy Boothroyd will be in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Duke - who played nine times for Town on loan in the 2011-12 season - top of the bill.