Doubts on Nathaniel Knight-Percival's future

The 29-year-old skipper has been absent for the first two days since Micky Mellon's squad returned for the start of their summer schedule on Thursday.

Eight days ago, chief executive Brian Caldwell spoke about Knight-Percival and out-of-contract James Wesolowski.

He told the club's website: "Their agents have been in touch with counter offers to our offers."

But there have been no further announcements about the trio.

Wesolowski is also yet to sign a new deal but, like Halstead, has taken up Mellon's offer of training with the club as he looks to settle his future.

Knight-Percival underwent a minor operation at the end of last season but is understood to be fully recovered.

Town have signed two centre-halves this summer in Olly Lancashire and Ryan McGivern, who like Knight-Percival is left-sided, and promoted academy graduate Callum Grogan.

But they released two experienced centre-backs in Zak Whitbread and Jermaine Grandison, while loanee Jack Hendry returned to Wigan.

The popular Knight-Percival was seen by fans as a priority to keep and went on record on more than once occasion last season stating he wanted to stay.

The former Wrexham and Histon defender has been one of Town's key performers since his free transfer arrival from Peterborough two years ago.

He missed the final four months of his first season with a ruptured cruciate ligament.

He earned the nickname 'Rolls Royce' for the ease, in which he kept the opposition in check and helped Town to automatic promotion.

Last term he emerged from the aftermath of his injury to play an integral role in the club's survival battle in League One.

He took the captaincy when Liam Lawrence and James Collins left in January and has made 77 appearances in all competitions in his two years at the club.

Prior to the end of the season, he was consistent in claiming he wanted to stay, but his no-show at pre-season so far suggests he has other interest.

Meanwhile, Town's derby at home to Walsall, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 15, will now be played on Good Friday, April 14, with a 3pm kick-off.