YORK City manager Gary Mills still believes it is “unlikely” that Adriano Moké will be plying his trade at Bootham Crescent during the new season.

A failed medical was believed to have scuppered Moké’s proposed move to Cambridge United but the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit have since indicated that they remain interested in taking the Glenn Hoddle Academy graduate to the Abbey Stadium.

Mills feels that transfer is now likely to go ahead but is refusing to close the door firmly on Moké, pictured, who in May was offered a new contract for next season.

“Adriano failed his medical but Cambridge have come back to us and desperately want to take him so he might still be going there,” Mills said. “I’ve made signings and have got budgets to work to and Adriano made it clear that he wants to go out and play and does not want to sit on the bench.

“That’s one of the weirdest statements I think a footballer can make because, unless you drop down a few levels, I don’t think anybody can guarantee you a starting place. I need players who are committed and have a desire to work hard enough to get into my side.

“I would say it’s unlikely that he will be with us next season but, if for some reason that was not the case and he stays, there won’t be any bad blood.

“Football’s football and these things happen. Carlos Tevez refused to play for months at Manchester City but they took him back.

“As we speak, Adriano is still a York City player and on the pay roll so let’s see what happens.”

Having offered 22-year-old Moké a new deal, City would be entitled to a compensation fee and that could be one of a number of factors delaying the transfer with Cambridge boss Jez George adding: “There are different hurdles to get over.

“One is agreeing compensation, one is personal terms, another is the medical and, if any issues arise from any of them, they slow the whole process down. I don’t want to comment on this situation because, as always happens with these matters, it’s not quite as black and white as pass or fail. We just want to do things behind the scenes rather than in the media and we need to deal with any issues properly with the club and the player.”

Mills remains hopeful that a deal can be concluded to bring former midfielder Jonathan Smith to Bootham Crescent, as well as an unnamed striker.

Meanwhile, City’s footballers will be looking to avenge last year’s three-wicket defeat when they take on hosts Clifton Alliance at cricket on Sunday.

Gary Mills and his players will be in action at Shipton Road in the 20/20 challenge match that starts at 2pm with the bar opening an hour earlier. There will also be a barbecue. A bucket collection, meanwhile, will be held in aid of City’s designated charity The Island.

• YORK City’s youth team will get on their bikes to raise money for children’s mentoring service The Island at Asda on Sunday, July 15.

The sponsored static bike ride will be held between 10am and 4pm with half of the proceeds donated to City’s youth team development fund, which continues to operate despite the club’s promotion to the Football League, with the level of central finance for next season still to be confirmed.

Shoppers at Asda will be able to contribute to a bucket collection.