PREMIERSHIP Sunderland are reportedly still casting covetous eyes at York City's teenage sensation Lee Grant.

The Black Cats, who have been chasing the 16-year-old centre-back for some time, have seemingly not given up hope of capturing Grant, who is due to start a three-year scholarship with the Minstermen in July.

City chairman John Batchelor today vehemently denied all knowledge of any proposed move to the Stadium of Light for the Strensall teenager.

However, Grant is still technically a free agent and free to talk with other clubs. It has also been reported Aston Villa and Manchester City have offered the youngster terms.

Grant - currently sitting his GCSE exams at Huntington School - is believed to be the second youngest player to feature in City's first team.

He made his senior debut as a substitute in City's 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers at Bootham Crescent in the Minstermen's final home game of last season.

Should Grant decide to join Sunderland the Minstermen could expect to pick up a sizeable compensation sum in recognition of their part in grooming the youngster for stardom.

Last summer Ipswich Town agreed to pay a six-figure sum to City for teenage centre-back Chris Hogg while in March last year, the Evening Press revealed a transfer tribunal had ordered Aston Villa to pay £50,000 for former protg Cameron Stuart.

City, meanwhile, plan to announce a big signing on Monday. But chairman Batchelor is keeping tight-lipped about who it is or what role they will play.

"We will be making a very big announcement on Monday about someone who is joining the club," he told Radio Five Live's "Any Sporting Questions" broadcast from Acorn Amateur Rugby League Club's headquarters in Thanet Road last night.

He declined to say if it was a player or someone behind the scenes, but added: "I think once people see the calibre of the people working on the footballing side, they are going to realise York will be a club worth watching."

Batchelor said he was confident of City attendances of 5,440 next season to break even, particularly as season ticket sales had got off to a flying start.

More than 900 fans have bought next season's tickets for last season's prices - many taking advantage of a discount through the Evening Press.

Current season ticket holders are warned that a discount for renewals runs out on Friday. Anyone wanting to renew their book for next season must apply in writing, by telephone or by going to the club office during working hours before then.

Batchelor is aiming to sign up 1,500 season ticket holders - more than double last year.

Also on last night's panel were cricket legend Brian Close, Leeds Rhinos RL star Kevin Sinfield, dual code rugby international John Bentley and Peter Lorimer, the former Leeds United, York City and Scotland footballer.

Updated: 11:55 Wednesday, May 22, 2002