HARTLEPOOL UNITED are ready to bid for Darlington's top scorer Barry Conlon. But the good news for Quakers' fans is the 25-year-old wants to stay and help the club out of its current plight.

Northern Echo Sport understands that Pool boss Neale Cooper has been in contact with administrators Wilson Field.

Darlington manager David Hodgson said no approach had been made by Pool, but the club had received two other bids for the six-goal striker.

"I've spoken to Baz and he wants to stay and see this through," said Hodgson.

"We'll address his situation in the summer but all he wants to do at the moment is help this club. He is a player we need at the moment."

Sheffield Wednesday offered to take Conlon on a month's loan, while Third Division rivals Macclesfield were unsuccessful with a £35,000 bid.

Hodgson said: "The offers were not acceptable, and more importantly, we're not really in a position to replace a player like Baz.

"The administrators have left the decision-making to me and in my eyes it would not be right to let Baz go."

Hodgson has also rebuffed an approach from Second Division Swindon for highly-rated defender Joey Hutchinson.

The Teessider joined Quakers on a free transfer from Birmingham during the summer and has established himself at the back with a string of impressive performances.

But Hodgson insists the 21-year-old is settled in the North-East.

"Joey still has 18 months to go on his contract and he has no intention of leaving," said Hodgson.

"He's a local lad and has just bought a house up here so he's very settled."

Hodgson, meanwhile, has revealed he has come to an agreement with two unnamed players to have their contracts terminated.

The Quakers boss is keen to keep their identities confidential until the final details of their release are agreed with the PFA.

"Both lads have been fantastic about it which is nice to see in today's game," said Hodgson.

"It's not often you get players agreeing to leave even when the club is in such difficult circumstances.

"But they are prepared to take a risk and help the football club.

"We are still in discussions with the PFA but the players have accepted our circumstances."

* Swansea's FA Cup hero Lee Trundle could play in a protective mask after undergoing an operation to repair a depressed fracture of the cheekbone.

The 20-goal striker maintained his run of scoring in every round of the competition as he grabbed the winner against Preston, but could wear the mask for the fifth round tie against Tranmere. Trundle sustained the injury when he was caught in the face during the first half of the 2-1 victory.

* Michael Brown has accused Manchester City midfielder Claudio Reyna of elbowing him during Sunday's fourth round FA Cup tie.

Tottenham's new signing said he was amazed that none of the officials, including referee Steve Dunn, saw the incident during the 1-1 draw. ''I was just running away from Claudio Reyna when I was clogged round the head and went down,'' he said.

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