York City fans' favourite Paul Barnes has revealed that he would love to return to Bootham Crescent after being granted a free transfer by Division Three rivals Doncaster Rovers.

And City boss Chris Brass has already expressed an interest in talking to the 36-year-old striker about a possible move.

Brass and Barnes were neighbours during their playing days together at Burnley and remain good friends but the Minstermen's player-manager has also admitted that financial considerations could be a stumbling block in any negotiations.

Barnes, who scored 26 goals as Doncaster were promoted back to the Football League via the Conference play-offs last season, was placed on the transfer-list at his own request after failing to win a first-team place this term and being told that he may not be required in a coaching capacity at Belle Vue after this summer.

City already have six strikers on their books, although four-goal midfielder Lee Bullock remains the club's leading scorer this season.

Barnes is also contracted to Doncaster until the end of this season as a player-coach and matching his current wages, rather than a reluctance to sign another forward, could be the biggest factor in any possible transfer.

Brass told the Evening Press: "Paul Barnes is somebody we would look at and consider. I know him well but it might come down to financial implications again.

"However, he is somebody who scores goals and it's an avenue we would like to explore. I would like to discuss things and see where we stand."

Barnes scored 85 goals for City in four seasons between 1992 and 1996 before joining Birmingham for £350,000.

His tally included a brace in the famous 3-0 Coca-Cola Cup victory at Manchester United and he was also a member of the winning 1993 Division Three play-off promotion winning team at Wembley.

He has retained a genuine fondness for the club and would leap at the chance of wearing City's colours again, saying: "I would love to come back to York.

"It's a fantastic set-up and I know Brassy well from playing with him at Burnley. I have always said that if I got another chance to work at York City it would be fantastic and that sentiment has not changed."

But City may have to move quickly if they want to capture Barnes who was in demand as soon as Doncaster circulated news of his availability.

The ex-Stoke striker said: "I have already spoken to three or four good Conference clubs that want me to go there but I will give it a couple of days first to think about things.

"I feel a bit strange and disappointed really with the way it has ended at Doncaster.

" I got 26 goals last season and with the first team doing so well and the manager signing a two-and-a-half year deal I wanted to know where I stood.

"But the club have said they do not know whether they will be having a coach next season which is disappointing because, with things going so well, you would think they would want to look after their staff. But that was not the case and I was told I can have a free transfer and I have told them I will sort myself out.

"I'm open about going somewhere I can coach and carry on playing. Ideally, I would like to do both.

"The Doncaster manager could not guarantee me a start after last season but working with the first-team cushioned that blow.

"I really enjoyed coaching at Doncaster but I am also looking forward to playing again regularly because I have missed that."

Updated: 11:08 Thursday, December 04, 2003