YORK City boss Terry Dolan is closing in on his summer-long top target of a striker and has hinted at more arrivals at Bootham Crescent before the start of the season.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Dolan said he was hopeful of making an announcement either after today's pre-season friendly with Sunderland or early next week with regards his hunt for a hit-man.

The City chief was remaining coy about the striker in question but Dolan has already indicated he was on the look-out for a 'big man'.

In another boon for City supporters, Dolan has admitted he is still looking to bring central defender Scott Jones back to Bootham Crescent.

Jones had an impressive loan spell with the Minstermen at the end of last season and although he is contracted to Bristol Rovers for another season the former Barnsley defender has made no secret of his wish to return north.

"We are keeping a close eye on the situation," said the City manager.

Meanwhile, with a striker seemingly bagged, Dolan admitted solving his goalkeeping crisis was now a top priority.

Alan Fettis has been ruled out for two to four weeks with a broken finger, while Russ Howarth's proposed move to Wolves appears to have reached an impasse.

The 20-year-old refused to play in today's friendly with the Black Cats while City and Wolves try to thrash out a deal, leaving Dolan with just first-year professional John Collinson as cover.

"There are a few names I have in mind but it all depends on who is available.

"The latest list of available players is now out and we shall be looking through that carefully," said Dolan.

The City boss is also to continue casting his eye over trialist defender James Okoli but will not be following up his interest in Argentinian winger Nicolas Mazzina.

While Nigerian-born Okoli was selected Mazzina was a notable absentee from the squad for today's clash against Sunderland.

"He's not quite what we are looking for," said Dolan.

"The fact James is still here means he is doing okay. He is not contracted to anyone so we can take our time and he is getting a good chance to show what he can do."

The City chief today confirmed that a knee injury suffered by Richard Cooper is not as serious as first thought.

A scan has revealed that that here has been no long-term damage, although the former Nottingham Forest defender is likely to be out for a month.

Darren Edmondson, Jon Parkin, Lee Bullock and Mike Basham are all expected to return to full training next week, leaving just Gary Hobson (thigh strain) as City's more longer-term casualty.

Former City players Rob Matthews and David McNiven have joined Northwich Victoria.

Updated: 11:18 Saturday, July 27, 2002