PHIL Parkinson may have missed out on signing James Meredith from Bradford City but the Whites manager remains focused on recruiting players from his old club’s defensive ranks.

Meredith will line up against Bolton in the Championship, having agreed a move to Millwall, but the possibility of bringing in one or both of Bradford’s out-of-contract right-backs, Tony McMahon and Stephen Darby, remains.

With Lewis Buxton, Lawrie Wilson, Reece Wabara and Dean Moxey all departing the Macron this summer, Parkinson has work to do to replenish his full-back – and wing-back – options.

Left-sided defender Andy Taylor has signed a two-year deal after his impressive spell on loan from Wigan last season but the manager will still want to bring in competition for the former Middlesbrough man, as well as filling the vacancy on the right flank.

His interest in beating Millwall to Australian international Meredith was thought to be waning, even before the left-back agreed to join the side that beat Bradford in the League One play-off final. Meredith has agreed a two-year deal at Millwall, subject to a medical to be completed when he returns from holiday in Australia.

Parkinson is still working on deals to bring in new faces, although two potential targets are players he will be more than familiar with.

McMahon and Darby vied for the right-back spot at Bradford last season, and with the former ahead in the pecking order it has been agreed that former captain Darby will leave West Yorkshire this summer. He was brought to Bradford from Liverpool during Parkinson’s tenure and was virtually ever-present throughout their highly successful recent spell.

Current Bradford boss Stuart McCall is said to feel McMahon, who can also play in midfield, was better suited to their style of play, though still started Darby in 25 games.

The club’s chief operating officer, James Mason, paid tribute to Darby, who he says is a legend of the club.

“I don’t think I can speak highly enough of him as someone who gave his all on the pitch and to every member of the community off it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wanderers are also working to secure deals with their own out-of-contract stars, with at least one announcement expected within the next 48 hours.