NOTTS County will step up their bid for Darlington defender Matt Clarke this week after the Magpies cleared the decks, by selling Paul Heffernan to Bristol City.

County were forced to put their interest in Clarke on the back-burner until they settled on a fee with City for striker Heffernan.

And after reluctantly accepting a £125,000 bid on Friday, County boss Gary Mills is expected to revive his interest in Clarke.

The 23-year-old recently agreed a new, one-year deal with Quakers and would command a fee. However, Quakers boss David Hodgson has admitted he would not stand in Clarke's way if he was offered improved terms.

Hodgson has become frustrated with County, six weeks after they confirmed their interest in last season's player of the year.

The Quakers squad report back for pre-season training next Thursday and Hodgson wants everybody's future resolved before he starts planning for next season.

Clarke's departure will depend on Hodgson's search for a replacement. Released Middlesbrough defender Phil Gulliver, on loan at Bury and Scunthorpe last season, could be one option.

Hodgson also confirmed his interest in bringing former Fulham striker Dirk Lehmann to the club.

"We've given Dirk the weekend to talk it over with his family and we should hear something this week," said Hodgson.

Released Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sam Russell and Wrexham's Hartlepool-born midfielder Stephen Thomas have signed one-year deals and Hodgson hopes to sign four more players before the start of the season.

Midfielder Leandro Scartascini will return to the club next week in the hope of securing a permanent deal with Quakers.

The Argentinian impressed during a trial spell with the club last season. The 19-year-old will be given another chance to clinch a move during Quakers' pre-season programme which kicks off at Whitby Town on July 12.

* Promising midfielder Tony Sweeney yesterday put pen to paper on a new contract to keep him at Hartlepool United.

The 21-year-old forced his way into the first-team picture towards the end of last season and played a prominent role as Pool made the play-offs.

Sweeney scored in the second-leg of the semi-final defeat at Bristol City, his second goal in ten games as he enjoyed his longest run in the team since making his bow on the opening day of the 2002/3 season.

His main concern was waiting to see if he was to be awarded a new contract, but after ending the season in style, there was little doubt a new deal would follow.

Big things are expected next season of Sweeney and boss Neale Cooper admitted: "He took his chance in the team ever so well.

"He is a determined character who has a good engine and he certainly played a big role in getting us through to the play-offs - hopefully he can continue that progression in the coming season."

Pool report back for pre-season training at their Houghall College base on Thursday and the strong-running midfielder admitted: "I'm delighted to get the contract out of the way so I can come back and concentrate on the pre-season."

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