Cobblers boss Boothroyd closing in on new goalkeeper

Town were reliant on loan man Lee Nicholls throughout the past season, the Wigan Athletic shot-stopper enjoying an outstanding campaign.

But the 20-year-old is expected to stay with his parent club as they bid to win promotion from the npower Championship next season, and Boothroyd is looking to bring in a new permanent number one.

The only goalkeeper in the first-team squad is 18-year-old Dean Snedker, and although Boothroyd admits he wouldn’t have any problem playing him if he needs to, he says he does have a target in mind - with Bradford City’s Matt Duke, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Sixfields last season, believed to be in the frame.

“Had we have gone up, I think we would have had a much better chance (of keeping Nicholls), but the way he has performed and the fact Wigan have gone down, I think he will be fighting it out for a championship spot at his parent club,” said Boothroyd.

“You can never say never, but I’ve gone down another avenue because I’m expecting, when I send my letter to Roberto (Martinez) thanking him, he will have already thought about him.

“Lee has been terrific for us, but I’ve already made a few enquiries and calls,

“I know the one I want and hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can get that done.”