York City have beaten City to the signing of Frickley Athletic striker Reece Thompson.

Boss Russ Wilcox has agreed an undisclosed fee for the 21-year-old forward, who has signed a two-year deal with the club, having an option of a further 12-month extension.

Thompson netted 16 times in 32 games for Evo-Stik League Premier Division outfit Frickley after leaving Retford United last term.

His performance as a trialist during York’s 2-1 friendly victory over Newcastle attracted overtures from Phil Parkinson, who was in the crowd to run the rule over the hosts ahead of next week’s Capital One Cup clash at Bootham Crescent.

On trumping the Bantams and other suitors, Wilcox said: “It’s really pleasing because we’ve had to fight off a lot of competition from other clubs, including a few from League One as well but the fact that Reece was adamant that he wants to come and play for York City helped us get the deal over the line.”

Wilcox added: "He enjoyed his two games for us against Leeds and Newcastle and likes our fantastic training facilities and the coaching he will be receiving. He's looking forward to starting his professional career and didn't want to be shoved into somebody else's under-21 squad.

"I'm not saying that would have been the case at another club but he knows he will go straight into our first-team squad with an opportunity to kick on in his career."