Dykes has been one of the busiest Premier Division managers of late and is currently pursuing some other possible signings in the UK. Thornley, who made just nine appearances for United, failed to break into the Bury first team having signed in September, but could be attracted to the new challenges at City. When contacted, both the player and his agent failed to confirm or deny the speculation.
Ciaran Martyn is still at the centre of a tug-of-war between Derry and champions Shelbourne, with officials from both clubs saying the Sligo-born midfielder is in the process of signing for them.
According the Derry, Martyn, who signed a pre-contract agreement with the 2003 champions two weeks’ ago, has had a change of heart and looks set to sign a new two-year deal for Dykes later this week.
Martyn weighed in with six goals in a difficult last campaign and was officially announced by Shelbourne as their third signing of the close season last week, after the purchases of striker Glen Fitzpatrick from Shamrock Rovers and talented midfielder Alan Cawley from UCD.