SAM SANDERS turned down a new deal from Premier League side Nottingham Forest to sign permanently with York City.

Sanders joined York on loan in February and quickly established himself as a regular starter in the heart of City's defence as promotion to the Vanarama National League was confirmed through the National League North play-offs last month.

The 20-year-old played 13 times for John Askey's side last term and his centre-back partnership with Maxim Kouogun was vital to the club's success, with only one goal being conceded in the three play-off matches.

Despite seeing his parent club Nottingham Forest win promotion themselves to the top-flight of English football - their first season back among the elite since 1999 - and offer Sanders a new contract, the defender has chosen to commit his future to York through a two-year deal, which expires in the summer of 2024.

Sanders becomes the ninth player that York have announced as staying with the Minstermen for their return to the National League after a five-year stay in regional football.

Last season's promotion-winning players Kouogun, Paddy McLaughlin, Olly Dyson, Mitch Hancox, Maziar Kouhyar and Ryan Whitley have all been retained, with Dyson and Whitley, like Sanders, signing two-year deals.

New signings Scott Boden, from Boreham Wood, and Alex Hurst, from Port Vale, have also arrived, with a whole raft of further announcements due to be made on Friday.

York remain in contract talks with Scott Barrow, Jonny Haase and Lenell John-Lewis while Michael Duckworth has been invited back for pre-season training.