DEFENDER Matt Clarke could start next season with Darlington despite interest from Third Division rivals Notts County.

Relegated County last night confirmed that Clarke is among their list of summer targets.

However, County boss Gary Mills has scotched reports that the 23-year-old has been offered a pay rise to move to Meadow Lane.

"Reports that we are about to double his wages are wide of the mark, but he is a player we are interested in," admitted Mills.

"We have had an eye on him for some time."

Quakers boss David Hodgson last week revealed he would not stand in Clarke's way if he was offered improved terms by County.

However, Mills' denial could yet see Clarke remain with Quakers as the former Halifax defender recently agreed to take up a one-year option to remain with the club.

Dean Windass, Sam Russell and Stephen Thomas have all agreed to join Quakers "in principle" but no deals are expected to be concluded until Hodgson returns from a family holiday later this month.

Meanwhile, wantaway Quakers midfielder Ashley Nicholls is expected to complete a move to Cambridge later this month.

l Frustrated striker Paul Robinson's future is hanging in the balance at Hartlepool United.

The 25-year-old has been offered six months to prove himself at Victoria Park by manager Neale Cooper.

Since the turn of the year, Robinson has struggled to be first-choice in the Pool attack as Cooper opted for Joel Porter, Eifion Williams or Adam Boyd.

Instead of releasing the player on a free, the Pool chief has offered the 25-year-old a six-month short term deal to try to convince the coaching staff he deserves to stay in Division Two.

Robinson, who cost Wimbledon £1.5m from Newcastle four years ago, does not know which way to turn after having the short-term deal put in front of him.

He said: "I am still thinking about it. Six months is not a very good offer at all."

Read more about the Quakers here.