JOHN DAVIES will be one of Gary Thornton’s first targets as York City Knights step up their recruitment drive for 2013.

The second-row ace, currently on dual-registration at York from Castleford, was already in the club’s thinking for next season. Thornton confirmed he wants him in his team when he takes the helm at Huntington Stadium in the winter.

Thornton is presently the Under-20s boss at Wheldon Road, where the player’s contract runs out at the end of this term, and so is well aware of the 21-year-old’s capabilities.

“I know John and I’ve coached him in the U20s. I would be keen to keep hold of him for next season,” said Thornton.

“He will be a sought-after player, though. A number of clubs will be looking at him. We will throw our hat into the ring and hopefully we can negotiate with him for next season.”

As revealed by The Press, one of the reasons club chiefs turned to Thornton to take over the reins was his knowledge of Championship players from his time as Batley boss as well as the Super League Under-20s scene.

Talks have already taken place about potential targets for 2013. Thornton will step them up this week when speaking to Super League clubs about young guns who could become free agents.

He also stressed any loan or dual-registration agreements needed to work for York. In recent times, dual-reg players have been called back by parent clubs at short notice.

He said: “I’ve got obvious strong links with Castleford and I’ve been speaking to them already about what players are on the fringes of the first team and might be available.

“I’ve got a couple of meetings set up next week with other Super League clubs.

“Any loan or dual- registration arrangement, though, has to work to the benefit of York City Knights, not the Super League club. I don’t want players in key positions that get called back one week and leave us short.”

He added: “The Super League academy structure might be changing and if they move to an U19s set-up only, with no U20s, there will be a lot of players available. We will have to pick wisely and pick the players we want that will make us better.”

As for recruitment in general for a club like York, he added: “It’s about getting the right players with the right desire who want to play at this level and play well.

“The key is to get the right players at the right price.”

• York Pullman are taking coach bookings for travel to the Knights’ game at Keighley on Sunday (kick off 2pm).

Prices are £17 per person and pick up points are The Ainsty (11am), Clarence Street (11.15am) and Huntington Stadium (11.30am).

To book, phone Hayley on 07525 912463 or 01904 622992.