‘Wells staying would be like a new, big-money signing’

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson barely flinched at Peterborough’s offer for Nahki Wells — and didn’t even bother to tell the Bermuda striker.

So dismissive of the six-figure bid were the Bantams, and so confident the player wouldn’t be interested, the club made no mention of it to their sought-after front man.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post, Parkinson revealed his delight that he is under no pressure from the club’s owners, to sell the 23-year-old, who still has two years to run on his contract at Valley Parade.

The manager, who guided City to the Capital One Cup final and promotion to League One last season, said keeping hold of the former Dandy Town man will feel like a new signing.

He said: “For the board to turn round and say there is no pressure to sell even if we get offers, that is a great place to be as a manager.

“I am sure the supporters would consider us not having to sell Nahki as like a new, big-money signing. Hopefully, Nahki will stay with us and be one of our key players.

“Nahki has been looking good. He played in a 45-minute (training) game (at Valley Parade on Wednesday). The tempo was great and he looked in great shape.”

He added: “With the greatest of respect, I didn’t even mention to Nahki the offer from them. Why would he want to go to a club in the same division?

“Nahki is an ambitious lad and wants to improve. I want to see him keep improving and progressing up the leagues. 

“A move by a player to someone else in the same division could only be for financial gain, and Nahki is only motivated by playing at the highest level he can.”