FORMER Reading and Hull City midfielder James Harper is expected to remain at Basingstoke Town for the 2015-16 season.

The 34-year-old joined the club in the early part of last season and soon became a mainstay in the side, making 31 appearances as Town reached the Vanarama Conference South play-offs.

Harper is unlikely to sign a contract, preferring to play on a more casual basis, but Basingstoke manager Jason Bristow expects the experienced midfielder to return to the club for pre-season training.

Bristow said: “James has indicated that he wants to stay at the club next season and I think that the only thing that would lure him away would be a full-time club at a higher level.

“If an offer like that comes in then we would wish him well, but he is making all of the right noises and we fully expect him to be with us next season.”

Bristow has also revealed that he is close to signing a goalkeeper to replace Reading loanee Stuart Moore.

“We are in advanced talks with an experienced goalkeeper,” the Town boss added.

“Stuart left big shoes to fill but we believe that the guy we are bringing in is capable of doing that.

“He wants to be at the club and believes in the potential, it’s just a case of getting the paperwork sorted out.”

Bristow has already re-signed 11 members of last season’s squad, and talks are ongoing with Manny Williams and Jay Gasson, with the Town boss keen to keep both players at the club.

Andrew Jenkinson will also be offered a new contract, while several other players who featured last season will be invited to return to the club for pre-season training.

Bristow is also busy finalising his side’s pre-season friendly campaign.

AFC Wimbledon will travel to the Camrose on Tuesday, July 14, and there are several other friendly games, both home and away, in the pipeline.

Bristow added: “I am confident that we will have a good pre-season line-up.

“Our preparations have begun already and we are looking forward to it.”