Derry boss Gavin Dykes keen to sign Ben Thornley

The Candystripes boss Gavin Dykes has spoken to Thornley who played in the 1992 FA Youth Cup winning side alongside David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.

Now with the home town side Bury in the Nationwide Third Division side, Thornley is expected to meet up with Dykes next week to discuss details.

The 28-year-old also played for Huddersfield, Blackpool and Aberdeen.

Thornley was troubled with injury problems throughout his career. He won a Charity Shield medal back in 1977 when United defeated Chelsea on penalties.

Thornley was added to the Bury squad back in September following the departure of former Crewe and Port Vale midfielder Phil Charnock to Linfield.

Derry also expect Dubliner Ciaran Martyn to sign a new two-year contract this week.

Martyn was brought to the Brandywell by former boss Kevin Mahon, and has apparently agreed to stay with Derry City rather than take up an offer to return to Dublin with Shelbourne.