Fleetwood Town are in advanced talks to goalkeeper Matt Gilks, according to Football Insider.

The 37-year-old is a free agent after his contract at Lincoln City expired earlier this summer and has spent pre-season training with Fleetwood.

Football Insider claim that Fleetwood have offered the experienced shot-stopper goalkeeper a contract and are close to agreeing terms to sign him.

Fleetwood manager Joey Barton already knows Gilks well from their time together at Rangers and Burnley.

Gilks impressed for Lincoln City last season, conceding just six goals and keeping six clean sheets in twelve appearances as they won promotion from League Two.

Alex Cairns was Fleetwood's first-choice goalkeeper last summer and kept an impressive 16 clean sheets in 46 appearances in League One.

Fleetwood finished 11th in League One last season and face Peterborough United away from home on the opening day of the new campaign, where they will be looking to start with three points.

The Verdict

This could be a great signing for Fleetwood on a free transfer.

Even though Gilks didn't play that much football last season, he was still able to keep six clean sheets in twelve appearances for Lincoln.

Barton knows Gilks well from their time together at Rangers and Burnley - he's clearly been impressed by what he has seen from him in training and obviously feels that he has the ability and experience to help his team next season.

Cairns kept 16 clean sheets for Fleetwood last season, so Gilks may be signed as the back-up goalkeeper, but he's coming towards the end of his career near and will probably be used to playing less games.

He's got plenty of experience in the EFL and is more than capable of doing a job in League One.