ANY clubs interested in want-away Dominik Werling must meet Darlington’s valuation if they hope to sign the unsettled defender.

That is the clear message manager Mark Cooper is sending to any clubs vying to sign Werling who has told Quakers he wants to leave – before he has even played a game for the club.

The left-back signed a oneyear contract only three months ago, when Simon Davey was manager before quitting for Hereford United, but he told Cooper at the end of last week that he wants out.

The Northern Echo understands a training ground bust-up between Cooper and Werling last Thursday preceded the German requesting to leave.

Werling has told Darlington that he wishes to return to his homeland as his mother is ill.

After Saturday’s 1-0 win over Newport County, Cooper said: “He wants to leave the club. He’s told us he wants to go back to Germany, apparently his mother’s ill.

“We’ll not let him go for nothing to an English club.

“I think it’s important that we get that on record.

“To be fair to the club they brought him in, they have paid for his accommodation but he wants to go.

“Somebody wants him. If an English club wants him they’ve got my mobile number, they can ring me and I’ll tell them how much he’s going to cost.”

Davey is believed to be interested in taking Werling to Edgar Street.

He also signed him during his time at Barnsley and made the defender one of his first recruits during his 77 days in charge at the Arena.

Werling played in the majority of Quakers’ pre-season friendlies but did not feature in Saturday’s squad at The Northern Echo Arena.

“He’s got a fantastic leftfoot, you can see he’s played at a high level,” said Cooper.

“But that’s not what it’s all about. Football is also about attitude and commitment to the cause and at this moment he hasn’t got it because he doesn’t want to be here.”