By Paul Holland
July 1 2002

Bradford and Sheffield United have emerged as the chief rivals for Jimmy Walker's signature. The Walsall goalkeeper is set to decide where his future lies today with the First Division duo keen to lure him away from signing a new deal at Bescot.

Walker is planning to speak to both clubs later today before delivering an answer on his future to Saddlers boss Colin Lee.

Lee tabled a final offer to the keeper last week and his hopes of re-signing his No1 will have been boosted by Walker's desire to finally resolve his contractual situation.

"Jimmy has said he will make a decision some time today," said Lee. "We have done all we can to try and keep him and it's up to Jimmy now."

Chelsea, Southampton and Sunderland have all made tentative inquires to Walker's agent, but none of the Premiership trio have tabled any firm offers leaving Walsall in a thee way fight with Bradford and Sheffield United.

"I have to speak to my agent and a couple of other clubs today," said Walker.

"Clubs have started reporting back for pre-season training and I want to try and get things resolved over the next day or so.

"I don't want to be sitting at home when everyone else is reporting back for training. I want to get back into the swing of things and get going again.

"I have been linked with a few clubs and there have been one or two flattering inquires. but I have said all along that I am only taking notice of firm offers.

"Walsall have made me an offer and I know they have done the best they can given the current financial restraints.

"I am settled and established here and the fact we stayed up last season will also have a big bearing on my decision. But I do have a couple other offers to weigh up."

Walsall's contract offer is likely to include the carrot of a testimonial for the keeper who moved to Bescot from Notts County in August 1993 and has clocked up more appearances than any other keeper in Saddlers' history.