YORK City have denied newspaper reports that highly-rated teenager Lee Grant was set to sign for Premiership outfit Aston Villa.

It is known that the 16-year-old has attracted the attention of a number of top flight clubs, including Villa and Sunderland, but today City assistant boss Adie Shaw confirmed the youngster had not moved anywhere.

"As far as we're concerned, nothing has happened. He is still registered with us," he said.

Centre-back Grant, who made his first-team debut as a substitute in the victory over Bristol Rovers at the end of last season, has been offered a scholarship by the Minstermen.

The wait for the much-heralded new City shirt is almost over.

Chairman John Batchelor confirmed to the Evening Press that the kit for the 2002/3 campaign will finally be in the shops on July 12, barring any production problems.

Talk of a new shirt has sparked a number of discussions among fans over the design - with the majority wanting to see a return to the old 'Y' style from the 1974-75 season.

And having seen more than 1,500 people snap up season tickets at a special reduced price - and exceeding all expectations - Batchelor has tied the new kit into a special deal for those still to purchase their ticket.

Anyone who now buys a season ticket at full price can get a 40 per cent discount off the new shirt.

Updated: 11:58 Tuesday, June 25, 2002