CITY remain optimistic of landing Wimbledon midfielder Jake Reeves.

Dons boss Neal Ardley is still hoping to persuade the 24-year-old to stay put – but the T&A understands the player has indicated he is keen to make the move north in a deal believed to be worth at least £150,000.

Reeves would become the second six-figure capture for the Bantams over the summer after the signing of Shay McCartan from Accrington for a fee thought to be around £200,000.

Stuart McCall last night confirmed City's interest in the former Tottenham trainee, saying: "He's one of a number we are interested in and again ticks a lot of the boxes.

"He's got a lot of games under his belt for that age at this level as well as in the Championship with Brentford.

"Coming here, you're signing for a club which has the expectations from selling 19,000 season tickets.

"There is that expectation after the progression of the last few seasons and you have to cope with that spotlight.

"It comes down to your character. You do as much background as you can on any player but it's only when they are out there in that environment you see if they relish it or not.

"You look at Shay, at 23, and he's played a lot of games – but he's been used to playing in front of 2,000.

"Charlie (Wyke) came in from Carlisle and has settled in well. It didn't faze him and Jonesy (Alex Jones) has been the same."

McCartan became City's fourth capture as they switch their attentions to defensive recruits.

Discussions are ongoing between the club and Tony McMahon over whether he will be coming back.

McCall admits they need another experienced head in defence if the right back does not re-sign.

The Bantams boss said: "It's safe to say we won't be signing two young defenders. One of them might be but we'll certainly be looking for a bit of experience there.

"We want a healthy mix, position-wise, age-wise, ability-wise, pace-wise. You want that in the squad.

"But we're only just back in pre-season and we've filled a lot of holes already, certainly compared to last year.

"I had my first meeting and only had Lawsy (Nicky Law) in. But if Macca doesn't sign now, he'll be our longest-serving player.

"But we've still got that bit of experience from last year with the likes of Doyle, Knight-Percival, Vincelot, Law and Kilgallon."

Rouven Sattelmaier is set to sign a new deal and will return to training on Monday.

First-choice keeper Colin Doyle will also come back then after being given some extra time off following his involvement with the Republic of Ireland squad.