YORK City Knights are checking out the "January sales" with a view to bolstering their squad before the Kingstone Press League One season starts.

Head coach James Ford has already said they are in the market for an outside back following the departure of Jordan Grayston, plus the injuries to James Haynes and Ben Dent.

But he has now added they are keeping their eyes out for a middle player too - although they will not be rushed into making a move.

"We've made some enquiries," he said. "It will take time. We're not going to rush it.

"We're monitoring a few situations. Some clubs have got very big squads where it will be difficult to keep everyone happy. We'll see what comes up in the January sales."

Ford - whose side visit Featherstone Rovers tomorrow (7.30pm) for their opening pre-season friendly after their initial game with Hull ten days ago was cancelled due to the weather - gave no clue as to which players in particular he was running the rule over, or even at what level.

"There's a mixture of people we're looking at - some young players coming through at Super League, and a couple probably a bit more mature playing in the Championships," he said.

"But our competitive fixtures don't start until mid-to-late February and the league season a few weeks after that so there's no rush at all.

"You're better off taking a week longer and getting it right than rushing in and getting it wrong."

He added: "We're looking for an outside back and there's maybe an opportunity to bring in another middle player as well.

"If we get them, fantastic. If we don't, it's not the end of the world because the squad is very good as it is."