Jim Jefferies is ready to take Gary Locke back to Scotland.

The former Bantams boss has swooped on his old club to lure midfielder Locke to Kilmarnock.

Locke stayed last night in the club's official hotel at Rugby Park. Sources in Scotland said he would be having a medical later today.

Locke has played under Jefferies at Hearts - where he was the youngest captain in the club's history - and Valley Parade after coming south for £150,000 in January 2001.

Nobody will be surprised that Jefferies is keen to renew their partnership a third time.

Locke has been constantly linked with his old manager but dismissed the reports, saying he was happy to stay with City.

But with only one year of his contract to go, he may opt for the security of a longer deal back in the Scottish Premier League.

Killmarnock made an excellent start to the campaign on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Rangers.

The 27-year-old, who played 33 games last season, was not at Farsley Celtic on Saturday. He has also been left out of the squad for tonight's prestige home friendly with Middlesbrough.

Nicky Law is reluctant to lose Locke but his departure, combined with that of Eoin Jess to Nottingham Forest and possibly Aidan Davison back to Grimsby, should give the boss leeway to bring in new faces.

Paul Evans, Andy Gray and Gus Uhlenbeek will all play against Boro and hope to be involved in the first game of the season when Wolves visit on Sunday. But Law is still unable to talk figures until City's place in the division is rubber-stamped and they come out of administration.

Law wants to use tonight's game as a dress rehearsal for the televised clash at the weekend.

He said: "I have had a long hard think about it over the weekend. It is about putting out a side close to the one I want to use against Wolves and it is also about giving players much-needed match practice.

Jamie Lawrence has recovered from a groin problem and should play against a Boro team that could field three of their four summer signings.

Juninho flew into Teesside last night although he is waiting for international clearance so is unlikely to make the trip.

Italian striker Massimo Maccarone will be given another 90 minutes by Steve McClaren who is also set to throw in Cameroon midfielder Geremi for his Boro debut. George Boateng's first start for the club depends on the result of today's medical.

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