Darlington have missed out on signing striker Dene Cropper, who has chosen to sign for Lincoln City.

Released from Sheffield Wednesday, the 19-year-old forward was being chased by Tommy Taylor but has opted to sign a one-year contract for the Imps.

Taylor's target never made the breakthrough at Hillsborough and spent time on loan at Worksop Town, where he scored eight goals in 14 games, before signing for the Imps.

Taylor, who wants more firepower in his squad, admitted: "I am disappointed because they've been in a bit of money trouble but he wanted to sign for them and not us.

"But signing for Lincoln meant he need not move house, whereas he'd have to buy a new place if he came to Darlington."

Lincoln boss Keith Alexander said: "Darlington were after him this season so we've had to nip in early and I think he's going to be one for the future.

"He's over six foot tall, he's quick and strong and I think he will be a good player for us."

Cropper will replace Lee Thorpe, who has signed for Leyton Orient on a free transfer six months after Taylor's bid to bring him to Feethams ended when Lincoln asked for a fee.

But Taylor says he still has plenty of other options open and is constantly trying to bring new players to a club which has seen seven leave this summer after their contracts expired.

"I'm talking to people all the time but until managers and players get back from holiday I can't do a lot. And the free list doesn't come out until June 1."

Those no longer at Darlington are Clint Marcelle, David Brightwell, Steve Harper, Phil Brumwell, Adam Marsh, Keith Finch and Paul Heckingbottom.

* Former Darlington forward Neil Tarrant has been released by Boston United and could be heading for Hungary.

The League's newest side have let Tarrant leave after helping them win promotion from the Nationwide Conference but his latest club could be European giants Ferencvaros.

The Hungarian side have viewed a video tape of the 23-year-old in action and the player's representative is "95 per cent certain" Tarrant will be offered a trial.

Being released by Boston leaves Tarrant looking for his ninth club in six years.

Darlington-born Tarrant began his career at Feethams but left in 1997. His big opportunity arrived when he joined Aston Villa for £250,000 in 1999, but he never made the breakthrough at Villa Park.

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