After five long years in west Yorkshire, Stephen Darby is set to be released by Bradford City at the end of his current deal next month.

The one time Liverpool man will enter the uncertainty of free agency this summer after a whirlwind of a season with the Bantams, which ended in a heartbreaking defeat to Millwall in the playoff final at Wembley.

A host of clubs will be in the market for Darby this summer, with the full back having consistently proven his worth at Bradford across 189 appearances for the club.

Combine this with the Premier League academy education already under his belt, then it becomes clear that Darby will not be without a contract for long.

One club that should consider a move for the experienced full back are a club with aspirations of a top six finish next season, with an extremely ambitious chairman and manager willing to do what it takes to achieve promotion next time out.

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has garnered a reputation for his colourful words, and in a recent interview stated he was proud he has turned the Posh into a ‘club to fear’.

The chairman will want to increase this fear factor over the summer, and will back manager Grant McCann in the transfer market.

Already linked with a big money move for Lincoln City’s Sean Raggett, McCann should also weigh up a move for free agent Darby.

Right back Michael Smith has been transfer listed, and fellow full back Hayden White has already been moved on to Mansfield Town.

The right side of defence will need filling at London Road next season, and Stephen Darby is the perfect candidate for the role.

Both McCann and MacAnthony will have earmarked the defender for the role, and an early summer swoop should be on the cards as a talent such as Darby will not be on the market for long.