YORK City Knights have re-signed young-guns Tom Bush, Matt Garside and former New Earswick amateur Ben Dent for 2012 – but are refusing to substantiate rumours that “Moore” good news could be afoot.

The Knights have almost certainly missed out in their bid to bring York-based star Ross Divorty back to Huntington Stadium, with the Wales international now tipped to join big-spending Halifax should he opt to leave champions Featherstone.

However, they would be in the running to recruit former crowd favourites Mark Applegarth and Luke Hardbottle should either decide to end their playing spells in Australia.

Meanwhile, The Press understands an audacious bid to seize another ex-Knight, current Super League player Gareth Moore could also be afoot.

The Knights yesterday confirmed that centre cum second-row Garside and full-back/winger Tom Bush had penned new contracts.

Garside, who turned 21 on Saturday, joined the club from Gateshead 12 months ago and was a near ever-present, bagging 11 tries – the second-top scorer behind Jonny Presley – in 23 appearances.

Bush, 21, who joined from Leeds, overcame a dodgy opening to the season to end the campaign high up in the Players Player of the Year poll.

He played 21 games, scoring four tries and 27 goals.

Dent, who has just turned 20, is a full-back or three-quarter who is yet to play for the first team but regularly impressed in Mick Ramsden's reserves after joining from the All Blacks. He agreed a deal last night, joining Joe Hemmings in making the permanent switch from the Pennine League outfit.

The club also confirmed they had spoken to packmen Hardbottle, 22, and 26-year-old Applegarth, the 2009 Press Player of the Year.

A Knights statement said: “Both have offers to play down under again next year but should they stay have indicated they would love to return to the Knights.”

But they were refusing to comment on speculation linking Moore with a move back to York.

The 22-year-old Scottish international scrum-half played eight games for the Knights on loan from Leeds in 2009, scoring six tries, before moving on to Batley Bulldogs.

He signed a two-year deal with Wakefield 12 months ago.

The Press understands new Wakefield coach Richard Agar – the former Knights boss – was due back at Belle Vue today after a break and any potential move could depend on his plans for next season.

Bush, Garside and Dent bring the number of players recruited for 2012 up to 17.

Knights head coach Chris Thorman said of Bush and Garside: “The squad is really starting to take shape now and we are all delighted these two players are staying for another season.

“They are both excellent trainers and give 100 per cent every time they take to the field and I’m sure we will see further improvements from them both next season.

“They also offer us a utility value with Matty in the back row or the centres and Tom at full-back or on the wing, which will be very important for us going forward.”

Ramsden said of Dent: "It is great Ben has come on board for next season. He has shown a lot of potential in the reserves and he has the right attitude to do well and develop."

The 2012 squad currently comprises full-backs/wingers James Haynes, Bush and Dent; three-quarters Dave Sutton, Waine Pryce and James Ford; half-back Thorman; hookers Jack Lee and Kris Brining; props Alex Benson, Adam Sullivan, Davey Burns and Adam Howard, and back-rowers Hemmings, Ed Smith, Tommy Haughey and Garside.