York City duo David McDermott and Danny Racchi are set to sign new deals to remain at Bootham Crescent this season.

But right-back Duane Courtney and striker Michael Gash are likely to leave in the January transfer window.

Courtney, 25, who has not played since Gary Mills took charge in mid-October, is already on the transfer list.

And Gash, 24, who has attracted recent interest from a number of clubs, has also failed to force his way into Mills' first team plans.

"Duane is still on the list," Mills told the York Press. "And there are a couple of clubs interested in taking Michael during the transfer window.

"There's no point in me saying he has been involved here, because he hasn't, so we will have to see what happens.

"We will only reduce the squad when the timing is right.

"But David McDermott and Danny Racchi have both been offered contracts until the end of the season. They have both accepted and will be putting pen to paper."

I hope he realises that he now needs to be performing week in, week out Gary Mills on David McDermott

Midfielder Racchi's contract expired on 17 December but the 22-year-old has agreed a deal which will keep him at the club until the end of the season.

And McDermott, also 22, is back in favour, following his release by York caretaker boss Andy Porter, having been brought back to Bootham Crescent by Mills.

"David can play on the right, left or in the middle," added Mills. "But, at the age of 22 now, he's played a lot of football and needs to be more consistent.

"I've spoken to him about that and I hope he realises that he now needs to be performing week in, week out.

"He's got the ability but now it's down to having the mental strength of wanting to play how he can on a regular basis."

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