WHILE Darlington await a decision from Dutch target Shelton Martis, manager David Hodgson has warned the club will not be held to ransom by the defender's representatives.

Martis has returned to Holland to consider a one-year deal offered by Quakers after impressing in Saturday's friendly with Middlesbrough.

As a former agent, Hodgson is well aware that the 22-year-old's representatives will be holding out for the best possible deal for their client, especially after the impact Martis made during his 45 minutes against Boro.

However, with Hodgson still hoping to add at least a left-sided midfielder and a striker to his squad before the start of the season, he has ruled out any bidding war for the former Feyenoord trainee.

"We have put forward a proposal to Shelton and he has gone away to think about it," said Hodgson. "There is a budget in place and we have to work within it.

"Every player has a valuation, although we are not in a position to be able to up the price at the drop of a hat.

"Shelton is a player we are interested in and we will just have to wait and see what develops."

Hodgson also remains hopeful of landing a striker before next week's League Two curtain-raiser at Rushden and Diamonds.

After missing out on Swansea's Paul Connor, Hodgson last week admitted his interest in an unnamed Premiership striker, but as yet no move has materialised.

Quakers conclude their pre-season programme at Durham City tomorrow night (7.30pm), although a behind-closed-doors game is likely to take place early next week.

With no game arranged on Saturday, Hodgson will be sending a full-strength side to the Archibald Stadium. Former Manchester City winger Carlos Logan is likely to figure again after impressing against Bradford on Wednesday night, while fellow trialists Nathan Jameson and Andy Ferrell will hope to catch Hodgson's attention. Defender Joey Hutchinson is also likely to be given further match practice after recovering from injury.

Read more about the Quakers here.