Darlington are attempting to strengthen their defence by moving for released Hartlepool United defender Ben Clark.

Clark was one of seven Pools players told they will become free agents once their existing contracts expire at the end of next month.

And Quakers boss Simon Davey has launched an early attempt to sign the defender, but faces strong competition from Football League clubs.

Darlington hope to convince Clark, born in Shotley Bridge, he should stay in the North-East and become an integral part of Davey’s attempts to deliver promotion from the Blue Square Premier at the first attempt.

And the determined boss is keen to have the majority of his first team squad in place before pre-season training starts on July 1, having released 17 of the squad that was relegated.

Davey has 13 players on his books after adding Sam Russell, Jamie Chandler and Dominik Werling to his ranks, but is keen to have a squad of around 23 when life outside the Football League begins in August.

Clark, who joined Hartlepool from Sunderland on a free six years ago, made 185 appearances at Victoria Park and would also offer Davey the option of playing in midfield.

He was on the fringes of the team this season, making only five starts and five substitute appearances in League One.

An injury in pre-season kept him out for the first six games and then he was injured during the warm-up in his return to the squad that sidelined him for another two months.

The 27-year-old and fellow former Manchester United youngster Ritchie Jones were the biggest casualties when Pools released their retained list yesterday.

Jones, briefly transfer-listed at his request at the start of the season, is now attracting interest from other League One clubs.

Julian Cherel, Mark Cook, Alan Power, Jonny Rowell and Matty Tymon - set to sign for non-league Workington - have also learned they will not be staying.

Hartlepool’s director of sport Chris Turner has, however, taken up the option of extending five of his players’ contracts.

James Brown, Sam Collins, Billy Greulich, Ritchie Humphreys and Antony Sweeney will all remain.

Turner has also offered professional contracts to teenagers Billy Blackford, Paul Johnson, Callum Martin and Dylan Purvis.

Humphreys contract will entitle him to a testimonial, as he racks up a decade of service.