Goalkeeper Matt Clarke looks set to face Leeds United in Sunday's Premiership derby at Valley Parade after the surprise collapse of the deal to sign Sheffield United's Aidan Davison.

Clarke is in line for a dramatic recall after missing the last four games with a serious knee injury.

Davison, who has been on loan at Valley Parade for the last three months, turned down City's offer of a three-year contract after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

It was widely expected that Davison, who starred in last Satur-day's 1-1 draw at Tottenham, would sign.

City chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "His decision is a major surprise because the package we offered him was considerably better than what he enjoys as reserve keeper at Sheffield United."

Davison said: "When I spoke to the chairman I told him that although what they offered me was more than I am on at Sheffield United it wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. I hoped for further negotiations, but obviously that hasn't happened."

Manager Paul Jewell has already decided to keep veteran Neville Southall for the rest of the season.

He will continue to act as a specialist goalkeeping coach while providing experienced cover.

Southall has been on the substitutes' bench for the last four games and is likely to fill that role again on Sunday - unless City manage to loan another goalkeeper as cover.

The return of Clarke will be well received by City fans and Jewell said of the 26-year-old goalkeeper: "I am very positive about his chances of playing."

Clarke was in outstanding form before his seven-week lay-off which came about after he damaged his medial knee ligaments towards the end of City's 3-2 home win over Watford in January.

Clarke had himself stepped in to the side when last season's ever-present goalkeeper Gary Walsh first had flu and then underwent a knee operation.

Jewell said: "When Matt suffered the injury the specialist said it would be six to eight weeks before he was back in action.

"He has done very well. His knee was in a brace for a fortnight. He has trained exceptionally well every day this week."

Jewell has nothing but praise for Clarke who joined City from Sheffield Wednesday last summer on a free transfer.

He said: "Matt must be one of the best Bosman signings of the summer. He had not played too much football in the previous two years with Sheffield Wednesday, but he has done well for us."

Jewell plans to sign another goalkeeper before the transfer deadline later this month because Walsh will not be fit before then.

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