York City's 11th hour bid to sign a player in time for tomorrow's visit of Northampton has been thwarted. Manager Alan Little revealed he had been locked in talks with a centre back throughout yesterday and this morning to try and strike a permanent deal.

But after agreeing a fee with the player's club, who Little confirmed are in the second division, they were unable to agree personal terms.

He declined to to name either the player or his club.

Said Little: "We agreed a fee for a player, quite a large fee, and we had 24 hours with him yesterday. The talks went into the night and carried on this morning but we couldn't agree terms.

"We wanted to sign a player on loan but this club were not prepared to loan so we tried to sign him on a permanent deal but it has fallen through. I don't think we will pursue it - after 24 hours I think it's dead."

Little had been desperate to bring in new blood to bolster his injury-hit squad.

But now his efforts have foundered he has to agonise whether to plump for a youngster to make a home League debut or persist with a line-up significantly unbalanced.

Little was today making a check on midfielder Scott Jordan who has an impact injury on his knee. Jordan was due to train this morning to see how the knee would react before joining six other senior players in the treatment room.

Three of those - Neil Thompson, Wayne Hall and Gary Himsworth - are all ruled out leaving the problem of who to fill the left-back slot.

Youngster Martin Garratt has gamely filled the role, but his natural inclination is to attack and it might be harsh to persist with him in a more defensive role.

The option though is to go for a home debut for either of youngsters Graham Rennison or Andrew Dawson. Northallerton-born Rennison boasts just 30 minutes' senior action, while York's Dawson has so far sampled duty as an unused substitute.

"They are totally untested and untried so it is not ideal but with all the injuries they are in the squad. There is a chance one of them will be on the substitutes bench," said Little.

Northampton come to Bootham Crescent in complete contrast to their last appearance there six months ago.

Then, a goal-less draw in the final game of last season confirmed a place in the promotion play-offs, the Cobblers also securing their second successive Wembley appearance.

But this term Northampton are back among the dead-men. Last week's single-goal defeat at home to revived Reading left them three points and as many places adrift of the Minstermen.

Changes are expected. Northampton's principal problem has been a lack of goals despite a shuffling of striking resources featuring ex-Middlesbrough duo Paul Wilkinson and Chris Freestone.

Canadian international striker Carlo Corazzin is poised to return in place of Lee Howey, presently on loan from Burnley.

Veteran player-coach Kevin Wilson may also come into contention, but former City target David Seal is suspended.

There could also be a recall to defence for another loan import Chris Wilder. The Sheffield United player has recovered from an ankle injury.

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