MIDFIELDER Paul Bruce is close to agreeing terms to stay with City and negotiations are ongoing with former Premier League player Jonathan Hunt. Castle has already struck deals to retain his back four of James Fisher, Ben Martin, Ryan Frater and Scott Cousins

MIDFIELDER Paul Bruce is close to agreeing terms to stay with City and negotiations are ongoing with former Premier League player Jonathan Hunt. Castle has already struck deals to retain his back four of James Fisher, Ben Martin, Ryan Frater and Scott Cousins. Goalkeeper Paul Bastock has also agreed a deal to remain with City and defender Chris Seeby is making good progress as he recovers from his knee operation.

Talented youngster Luke Thurlbourne is a target for Castle to bring back on loan next term but the teenage midfielder will first be assessed by Southend United in pre-season after signing a contract with the League One side during his work experience spell with Saints.

The City squad return to training on Monday, June 30, and Castle will run the rule over a number of trial players. He also has Oaklands prospects Hamza Twomey, Kwame Asamoah, Tegana James and Alex Olcot who will look to stake claims for regular places in the first team squad next season.