IAN CLARK last night pledged his future to Darlington after turning down a move to relegated York City.

The 26-year-old winger is out of contract next month and City boss Chris Brass made the cheeky move as he begins planning for a swift return to the Football League next season.

However, Clark is reluctant to drop down a division and ECHO Sport understands the former Hartlepool man has rejected a two-year contract to move to Bootham Crescent.

The Teessider was on the periphery of David Hodgson's first-team plans last season but the Quakers boss sees Clark as a valuable squad player.

Clark is expected to pen a one-year deal to remain with Quakers next month, despite the offer of an extra year with the Minstermen.

And Brass could now turn his attentions to Clark's Quakers teammate, Gary Pearson.

The midfielder will not be offered a new contract at the Neasham Road stadium and Brass has already made tentative inquiries for the 27-year-old.

But with Hodgson on a family holiday and assistant manager Martin Gray on a coaching course at Lilleshall with youth team coach Mick Tait for the next fortnight, no deals can be reached until later next month.

Quakers have already agreed deals "in principle" with Bradford City striker Dean Windass, released Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sam Russell and Wrexham's Hartlepool-born midfielder Stephen Thomas.

Meanwhile, defender Matt Clarke is expected to hold further talks with Notts County this week.

The 23-year-old recently agreed to take up a one-year option to extend his stay with Quakers.

But relegated County are understood to have offered a substantial wage rise, which Hodgson last week admitted would be impossible to match.

No fee has yet been disclosed but Clarke is unlikely to go for any less than £50,000.

Hodgson has already lined up possible replacements, with Notts County's Craig Ireland and Torquay's Steve Woods both reported targets.

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