Peterborough United chairman hints new signings are imminent as he compares Manny Fernandez to League One star

MacAnthony conversed with Posh supporters on social media on Friday evening after revealing rookie centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has signed a new three-year contract at the Weston Homes Stadium.

MacAnthony also revealed goalkeeper Jed Steer hasn’t turned down the Posh contract offer he received at the end of last season so there is still hope he will return.

But he appeared to confirm star young centre-back Ronnie Edwards will follow defensive partner Josh Knight out of London Road. Knight joined German Bundesliga 2 club Hannover 96 this week.

The summer transfer window officially opened on Friday.

MacAnthony said: “Delighted to announce Emmanuel Fernandez has signed a new 3-year contract with us. Well done Manny & well deserved. Another of our young talents locked down. More to come plus some newbies in coming weeks Posh fans as the market is now open.”

The chairman later suggested there could be a new player arrival next week, while also suggesting Fernandez could develop into a top League One centre-back by comparing him to a former Posh star.

McAnthony said: “Manny reminds me so much of Ricardo Santos who we all gave up on too quickly and who turned into one of best centre-backs in League One. He has great tangibles to be a top centre-back with hard work & our usual great coaching. He could even score 10 goals a season as he’s a proper threat.

"He will be one of four centre-backs who will fight for the right to play. The others will be new signings, but we will stick to our policy of recruiting young players. We might be even younger next season.

"Our players don’t report back until 24th. Lots of work going on by me, Baz (director of football Barry Fry) and Liz (secretary Liz Elsom) on many things.”

Santos is a mainstay of the Bolton Wanderers team who have reached the League One play-offs in each of the last two seasons.