Bury in race to sign Blackpool defender Tom Aldred?

Aldred's deal at newly-promoted Blackpool ran out at the end of the season, making the talented 26-year-old centre-back one of the most sought-after players on the market at League One level.

Clark took him to Bloomfield Road from Accrington in 2015 and is understood to have offered Aldred a three-year deal.

But the Shakers face stiff competition, with rumoured interest from local rivals Blackburn and Wigan, who were both relegated from the Championship last season.

If the Bury boss can get the deal done Aldred would become his fifth signing of the summer, following the arrival of ex-Burton Albion midfielder Callum Reilly last week.

The Reilly deal looks to have signalled the end of the line for Caddis at Gigg Lane.

The central-midfielder played a massive part in helping to keep the Shakers in League One, starting every match after signing on a free transfer in February. He was offered the chance to extend his stay at the end of the campaign but the Bury boss said talks have now cooled.

“We were in negotiations with Paul but we couldn’t reach an agreement,” Clark told Bury Times. “Whether that can be sorted out remains to be seen.

“I always said I would have loved Paul to have stayed, he has been a big player for me, but we have not been able to reach an agreement.

“He is a free agent and is now entitled to explore other avenues.”

Reilly looks to be an able replacement in the centre of the park. Clark knows the 23-year-old well having managed him at Birmingham and claims the Warrington-born player will add balance to his midfield.

“Callum is a very athletic, powerful midfield player,” said Clark. “He will contribute alongside Andrew Tutte and Stephen Dawson, giving us great balance

being left-footed.

“He enables us to play in various different formations. We were restricted last season as to which formations we could play but with Callum and Stephen we now have the flexibility.”