YORK City goalkeeper Russ Howarth admits he is stuck in a rut after seeing dream moves to Tottenham and Wolves collapse.

The City shot-stopper's future has been thrown into turmoil after Spurs decided against following up their interest in the England Under-20 international.

To add insult to injury, it was left to the Evening Press to tell Howarth that Spurs were not going to sign him after no-one from White Hart Lane bothered to call the player.

"Obviously I'm disappointed but I honestly didn't know what was happening," he explained.

"The fact no-one from Tottenham had the guts to tell me is the hardest thing to take. That is what gets me the most."

To make matters worse for Howarth, City have now blocked an approach from Wolves to take him on loan.

Howarth was on trial at Molineux before Spurs' surprise late interest and the First Division club were keen to sign him.

However, their value of the player - just £60,000 - was way below that of City's.

And while Wolves are now keen to take him on loan City chairman John Batchelor insists the Midlands' outfit are no longer interested in signing Howarth permanently and has therefore rejected a temporary switch.

With the saga now apparently deadlocked, the 20-year-old admitted he was locked in limbo.

"I would hope something could still be sorted out with Wolves but to be honest I am fed up with the situation.

"It has been going on for eight weeks now and it is very unsettling. I just want to get something sorted, whether with Wolves or with another club.

"The fact any fee may have to be decided by a tribunal is obviously a major problem.

"If I was on a free I don't think I'd have a problem getting a club, but it's just the situation football finds itself in."

Howarth remains registered with City and is still being paid by the Minstermen.

And while he has not ruled out returning to Bootham Crescent he admits the situation is 'awkward' after he infuriated boss Terry Dolan by refusing to play in Paul Stancliffe's testimonial game.

Howarth was on trial with Wolves at the time and feared an injury could scupper his move to Molineux.

"I wouldn't rule it out but I am not sure whether City would still want me," he said.

"They have already made plans without me."

He said he understood the club's decision to take a firm stance with Wolves and also indicated he now regretted his decision not to play against Sunderland in pre-season.

"I realise the club, like any other lower league club, needs as much income as possible," said Howarth.

"I am a source of income to them so I understand 100 per cent the position they are in.

"Maybe not playing in the game is a regret.

"But it was the decision I made at the time and I was led to believe Wolves were sorting out a deal with York.

"There is nothing I can do about it now - that's football.

"But it is just unfortunate as soon as I leave the club Alan Fettis gets injured."

Updated: 11:14 Saturday, August 31, 2002