BARNSLEY boss Paul Hart last night welcomed the imminent arrival of Darlington striker Barry Conlon.

The 25-year-old will join the Tykes at the end of the month when his current deal with Quakers expires.

Conlon has agreed a two-year deal with the Second Division outfit and will link up with his new teammates for pre-season training at the beginning of July.

And Hart believes the former York striker will add to his attacking options ahead of next season's promotion push.

Hart said: "He's a big lad, left-footed and works his socks off. He's also young enough to improve.

"We've watched him quite a bit since I've been here. He is a player who will enable me to change one or two things."

Quakers boss David Hodgson has already drawn up a list of possible replacements for last season's top scorer.

However, any move to bring young Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham back to the club appears unlikely.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell with Quakers last season, scoring twice in seven starts.

But Boro boss Steve McClaren is expected to hold on to the teenager and monitor his progress in the reserves next season.

Meanwhile, Notts County boss Gary Mills last night admitted he may have to be patient in his bid to sign Quakers defender Matt Clarke.

The 23-year-old's agent has held talks with Meadow Lane chiefs with a view to a possible move to relegated County.

However, no deal can be completed until Hodgson returns from a family holiday at the end of next week.

"We have spoken to his agent a couple of times about his situation," said Mills. "Although that is as far as it gone so far. We will just have to see what develops in the coming weeks."

Mark Bower, released by Bradford City at the end of the season and Barnsley defender Craig Ireland have both been linked as possible replacements for Clarke.

* Neale Cooper last night played down speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Dunfermline by declaring his commitment to Hartlepool United, writes PAUL FRASER.

Cooper guided Pool to the Division Two play-offs for the first time in the club's history last season.

However, the 40-year-old former Aberdeen Cup hero insisted: "I can't comment on that. A lot of the time people are linked with football clubs and it's nice to be linked with them. All I can say is that at the moment I am happy where I am."

Read more about the Quakers here.

Read more about Hartlepool here.