OUT-OF-CONTRACT left-back James Meredith is keen to talk to York City before making a decision on who he will play for next season.
Meredith has told The Press that there is interest in his services from a number of clubs who will ply their trade higher than the Minstermen in 2012/13.
But he is not ruling out kicking off a fourth season at Bootham Crescent, having been an integral member of the team that clinched a Wembley double in the FA Trophy and Blue Square Bet Premier play-off finals last month.
Talks between Meredith and City boss Gary Mills have not yet been staged, with the Australian full-back having jetted off to visit family down under soon after the team’s open-top bus parade.
The former Derby County defender is entitled to a free transfer under the Bosman ruling having turned 24 in April and there appears to be no shortage of prospective suitors.
Meredith declined to name any clubs that have declared an interest in his signature despite rumours that Championship clubs Watford and Burnley are both admirers.
Burnley would seem the most likely destination for Meredith, who would be reluctant to move from his West Yorkshire base.
City’s chances of retaining his services might depend on whether Mills, who has already insisted he will not break the bank for any one individual, is prepared to considerably improve a contract that was considered very competitive when Meredith re-signed last summer.
On his current situation, Meredith said: “At the moment, I am keeping my options open and listening to what other clubs have to say. I need to have a discussion with York because it would have to be a very good offer for me to leave.
“My phone wouldn’t work while I was in Australia but I have texted Gary Mills this week and he has texted me back, but he is overseas now. After talking to my agent and seeing what the options are, I am going to speak with (City assistant manager) Darron Gee.
“From what I know, there’s been a fair bit of interest from more than one club above League Two level but I’ve got to make the best all-round decision. I love York and am settled in Leeds where I live but I’ll have to see what everybody is saying and then make a decision.”
Should Meredith decide to move on, he added that he would be leaving behind a club, team and manager who he has great respect for, adding: “Gary Mills is probably on a par with Billy Davies at Derby as the best manager I have worked with and I know he will bring in good players and build a strong footballing team.
“I don’t know if I am replaceable or not. What I would say is that, along with people like Scott Kerr, I bring a winning attitude to the dressing room, which people do not necessarily see.
“I’m in the game to win and you can’t put a price on that.”
Elsewhere, League Two rivals Aldershot have bolstered their defence with the additions of Troy Brown and Olly Lancashire following their respective releases from Rotherham and Walsall, and Barnet have signed West Ham’s teenage goalkeeper Sam Cowler.
David Syers has left Bradford for Doncaster and fellow midfielder Anthony Grant has moved from Southend to Shrewsbury.
AFC Wimbledon have also recruited midfielders Stacey Long and Louis Harris from Stevenage and Wolves respectively, while defender Terrell Forbes has made the switch from Leyton Orient to Chesterfield.
Newly-relegated Rochdale have brought in former Scunthorpe ’keeper Josh Lillis and centre-back Rhys Bennett from Bolton.
Fleetwood, meanwhile, have signalled their intention to complete a sixth summer signing on Monday following the arrival of ex-York striker Jon Parkin at Highbury.
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