York City are close to a cash windfall from the imminent sale of former goalkeeper Dean Kiely.

Three first division clubs are reportedly comparing big money bids to take Kiely from his current club Bury.

The Shakers, who also suffered a relegation drop into Division Two at the end of last season, are looking to cash in on Kiely who is rated their biggest asset. And that should net York City a handsome cash bonus.

It is believed a transfer of around £1million is being sought by Bury for the 29-year-old Kiely, who joined the Lancashire club from York shortly before the start of the 1996/97 season.

After both clubs haggled at a tribunal, City were awarded £125,000 in cash, but are to get a 20 per cent sell on of any further transfer. That could realise a further £200,000 for York if the million pound deal goes through.

Kiely, who this week joins the Republic of Ireland squad, made 239 appearances for York City between 1991 and 1996, including a club record equalling 20 clean sheets during the 1993/94 campaign.

Meanwhile, St Johnstone could be ready to table an offer for City's transfer-listed winger Gordon Connelly. He has failed to settle in York since his £70,000 move from Airdrie last August and is keen to move back to his native Scotland.

City manager Neil Thompson revealed the Scottish Premier League side had made an inquiry last week through Connelly's agent but he had not yet received an offer from the club.

He said: "We've had some interest for him but no bid. I've spoken to his agent but I have not spoken directly to St Johnstone."

Thompson also claimed he had received no inquiries for any of City's other transfer-listed players.

Striker Marc Williams is to undergo a minor operation on his knee after suffering with an injury in the latter stages of the season. Thompson said Williams had been struggling on the hard ground but they were hopeful the surgery would not reveal any major problem.

Skipper Barry Jones has had his troublesome hernia cleaned up after he was found to have some undissolved stitches from a previous operation.

Former City junior Chris Tate looks set to leave Scarborough for Hull City.

Tate, who is from York, netted a dozen goals from 17 starts during Boro's relegation season.

He looks like being part of an exodus from the McCain Stadium as Boro prepare for life in the Conference.

Striker Steve Brodie and player-coach Jamie Hoyland have both requested to go on the transfer list. Both players still have a year to run on their contracts.

Former York City defender Paddy Atkinson and fellow full back are also being released.

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