CITY must get Aaron Mclean fit for action if the striker is going to be considered for any part next season.

Mclean still has another year left on his Valley Parade contract, which is understood to be the highest on the club’s wage bill.

He has not been involved with the Bantams since November, when he rejoined Peterborough on loan.

But Mclean started only 11 games for the Posh – where he first made his name as a prolific goalscorer – and spent the final three months of the season chiefly on the sidelines as part of Dave Robertson’s coaching staff after Darren Ferguson was sacked.

Mclean also angered some City fans by tweeting his congratulations to the Posh players when they beat the Bantams at London Road in Robertson’s first game in temporary charge.

Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes stressed today that, unless there was a change in circumstances, City expect Mclean back in West Yorkshire to undergo extra fitness work before pre-season.

Rhodes said: “The situation is simple. He’s got a year left on his contract and we need to get the best out of him.

“We’re going to get him fit over the summer and see what happens.

“If anything happens in that time, and another club comes in for him, then he may move. As it stands, nobody has come in for him.”

Mclean has proved an expensive mistake after Phil Parkinson signed him to replace Nahki Wells in January 2014. He has scored only seven goals and fell out of favour early in the season.

It is hard to see him featuring again but Rhodes insists the club will leave the door ajar.

He added: “I’ve spoken to Aaron’s agent and, I’m not going to lie, I think he’s possibly looking for a move.

“But he hasn’t been back to me and told me that he’s got anything.

“So we’re just assuming he’s coming back, getting fit and going to be part of the squad.

“I don’t think it’s helped that he ended up at Peterborough as a coach or assistant manager and didn’t play that much.

“You hope that when a player goes on loan, he plays, which is why we need to get him fit if he’s going to make a contribution next season.”

Rhodes denied there will be any awkwardness if Mclean does return to the fold.

“I don’t think so. Phil’s not the sort to hold a grudge. We’re all professional and you just get on with it.”

Meanwhile, City target Richard O’Donnell has announced he is leaving Walsall after rejecting a new two-year deal.

But the Bantams face heavy competition for the goalkeeper, with Wigan the latest interested club to emerge.