YORK City are not believed to be in the running for Gateshead utility man Robbie Tinkler.

The Minstermen were linked to Tinkler in a Hartlepool Mail report, but it is understood that the 22-year-old, former Middlesbrough reserve has offers from higher divisions than National League North.

Tinkler made 45 league starts and scored two goals for Gateshead last season in the National League after being recruited from the Riverside by Steve Watson last summer before the current City chief departed for Bootham Crescent in January.

Gateshead, who would have finished ninth rather than 17th in the fifth-tier standings prior to a points deduction, have since been demoted a division following financial problems and Tinkler is now a free agent.

Watson is understood to be a big fan of the ex-North Ferriby loan defender but has always suggested that he expects Tinkler to be operating in a higher league during 2019/20 and it is not felt that situation has changed.

National League Hartlepool have made no secret of their interest but, when asked about the speculation concerning Tinkler and City, assistant-manager Micky Cummins said: “He’s someone who worked under us at Gateshead and somebody we liked working with, but I’d rather not comment on our recruitment plans. We like to keep our business private.”