York City manager Terry Dolan today revealed he plans to hold talks with Reading defender Chris Smith later this week.

However, Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has confirmed he will not be pursuing his interest in City striker Barry Conlon.

It was exclusively revealed in yesterday's Evening Press that City were poised to make a move for 19-year-old Smith, who impressed during a trial spell at Bootham Crescent last season.

Now Dolan has confirmed his interest in the youngster while also revealing he plans to hold contract talks this week with left-back Neville Stamp, who played in the same Reading youth team as Smith.

Dolan is still awaiting to hear from striker Lee Nogan and midfielder Nick Richardson as they mull over City's contract offers. The future of striker David McNiven has also still to be decided.

But the decision of Colchester not to make their interest in Conlon permanent could put a spanner in Dolan's rebuilding programme.

Although the Irish Under-21 international is reportedly coveted by a number of clubs it looks, for the time being at least, like Conlon will start next season as a City player.

That is a blow to Dolan, who was hoping to off-load Conlon in order to bring in more fresh faces at Bootham Crescent.

It was also revealed in the Evening Press last week, the former Manchester City and Southend striker's move to Layer Road was thrown into doubt when both player and club failed to agree personal terms.

Now Whitton, who was on holiday when talks broke down, has insisted the reported £50,000 move will not be revived despite the fact Conlon is a firm favourite with Colchester fans.

Whitton added the move had not collapsed solely because of money but said what funds were available had to be used in the "most effective and productive manner".

Updated: 15:50 Tuesday, May 22, 2001