Jamie Walker reveals transfer interest before Bradford extension and names two best Hearts signings

Jamie Walker recently added a year to his stay at Bradford - but has revealed there was interest in his services.

When the former Hearts playmaker signed on permanently at Valley Parade in 2022, he put pen to paper on a deal that was for two years but carried the option of a further year. He has impressed for the Bantams and become a fan favourite despite their failure to get out of English League Two, so the club jumped at the chance of triggering that extra year.

The 31-year-old's eight goals and five assists, making it 18 and seven in total in Bradford colours, attracted the attention of other clubs who were waiting in the wings, and that's another factor which likely persuaded them to act. There was a bit of interest from a division above in League One, as well as Carlisle United.

Speaking exclusively to Football Scotland about his new deal, Walker said: "I had that in my old contract, it was an option year. I actually finished the season well so I had a bit of interest. I think the club got a bit wind of it so they took that option up. I'm quite happy, it's a good club.

"I think Carlisle were interested. They've got new owners so I think they're giving it a bit of a go. But there was clubs in League One too but my agent never really said who. It never really got that far because as soon as they extended my option I never had any leeway or that."

Former Motherwell boss Graham Alexander is now in charge after Mark Hughes' sacking and Walker is pleased with the appointment, even if he is expecting a tough pre-season after gaining intel from Fir Park.

He added: "I spoke to a few of the lads at Motherwell and I know what the gaffer is like so I think it's going be hard work. At this level, I think you win games through hard work. His morals are hard work and doing things properly so I think you'll probably get success doing that."

Turning his attention to his former club, the midfielder has been delighted to see the transfer business the Jambos have done, picking out two players in particular.

"I think the thing that's impressed me the most is the signings of Yan Dhanda and Blair Spittal who have played at the level before and done very well," he said. "I think they've been very astute in that. I think when I was a kid growing up people like Jim Jefferies did that well, signing players from other clubs who had done well at that level. I think they'll be looking to try and close the gap on the Old Firm. It's always difficult but hopefully they can get European football again and it's been a while since we saw a trophy so we'll be hoping for that."

READ PART ONE OF OUR JAMIE WALKER EXCLUSIVE: Daniel Oyegoke inside track as Hearts favourite gives lowdown on playing with new signing