The former Hartlepool keeper has been training with the club since the start of pre-season and has figured in each of the three friendlies so far.

With youngster Aaron Grundy currently injured, he hasn't been over-run with challengers for the number one jersey, although rumours that the club are still keeping tabs on several other stoppers have persisted.

Liverpool's David Martin and Everton's John Ruddy have both been mentioned as possible targets, but Gigg Lane director of football, Keith Alexander, confirmed the club would soon be sitting down with Provett in the next 48 hours to discuss his future.

The 24-year-old left the North-east this summer after seven years at Victoria Park.

He fell behind Dimi Konstantopoulos in Danny Wilson's plans, and turned down another season with the club to try his luck elsewhere.

A former Hartlepool player of the year, Provett has 66 league appearances behind him and looks favourite to inherit the spot vacated by Andy Warrington when he left Gigg Lane for Rotherham United at the end of last season.