THE pre-season speculation surrounding possible York City targets slipped into overdrive today with three goalkeepers linked with moves to Bootham Crescent.

Two of the three, Marlon Beresford and Phil Whitehead, played for City last season, while the third shot-stopper to be linked with the Minstermen is highly-rated Steve Croudson.

New Minstermen boss Chris Brass has gone public on his admiration for Beresford.

However, the Evening Press has learned Whitehead was on the same ten-day coaching course at Warwick University as City's player-coach Lee Nogan earlier this month.

It is not known whether Nogan and Whitehead, 34, discussed the possibility of the ex-West Brom and Oxford net-minder returning to City in time for next season.

However, given the fact second-year trainee goalkeeper David Stockdale is likely to serve as the number two goalkeeper at Bootham Crescent next season, then Brass and Nogan will probably be keen to recruit an experienced 'keeper if possible.

A younger and probably cheaper option, but with long-term potential would be former Grimsby Town goalkeeper Croudson.

The 22-year-old was released by the Mariners at the end of last season and has already attracted the interest of City's Division Three rivals Boston United and Lincoln City.

Croudson made his First Division debut for Grimsby aged just 19 against Wolves and was earmarked as one to watch when he kept a clean sheet.

However, a shoulder injury and the form of Grimsby's Welsh international Danny Coyne prevented Croudson from establishing himself as the Mariners' number one.

He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Scunthorpe United two seasons ago and is well-known to Nogan following the City player-coach's two-year stint at Blundell Park.

Confirming his interest in Beresford, new City chief Brass has also admitted he would love to secure the services of former Burnley skipper Steve Davis.

Both players were released by Burnley at the end of last season as part of cost-cutting measures and are currently unattached.

The major stumbling block for City will be the duo's wages. Dropping down two divisions may also prove a deterrent.

However, the Evening Press understands former Burnley defender Brass is a very close friend of Davis, while Beresford has fond memories of his short spell as a Minstermen at the start of last season.

Brass said: "Naturally, as an ex-player, I still keep one eye on the situation at Burnley and it's sad what has happened with Stan (Ternent) having to release so many players.

"I know most of the lads who were there and a few interest me. The ex-captain, Steve Davis, has been an absolute stalwart for Burnley and would be a no-risk signing.

"But I'm also in the hunt for a 'keeper and naturally, a player of Marlon Beresford's calibre interests me."

Both Beresford and Davis are believed to attracting the interest of Blackpool, but Brass has not ruled out a double swoop.

He said: "I don't want to insult anybody by making them an offer that is derogatory, but in the current climate footballers know they cannot earn the money they did previously.

"I feel I'm in a fortunate position because the power has now come back to the clubs and is putting managers back in control again."

Whitehead played two games for City at the end of last season, when then Minstermen boss Dolan secured special dispensation to sign the ex-Halifax goalkeeper from Reading because of an injury to Michael Ingham.

Prior to his Bootham Crescent departure, Dolan indicated he intended to make a more permanent move for Whitehead - deemed surplus to requirements at Reading - in the summer.

Updated: 11:27 Wednesday, June 18, 2003