DAVID HODGSON is ready to turn to David McGurk if contract talks with Shelton Martis fail to reach a successful conclusion next month.

Martis is one of six first-team players, whose deal is up for renewal on January 4 and Hodgson has yet to confirm whether or not the 23-year-old will earn an extension.

The Quakers' boss has revealed Anthony Peacock and Carlos Logan will be offered contracts until the end of the season, while leading scorer Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu appears to have done enough to earn a new deal at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena. Midfield duo Phil Stamp and Clark Keltie are also free agents next month.

However, Hodgson has yet to decide whether or not Martis features in his long-term plans, despite an impressive start to his Quakers career.

Ultimately, Martis' future is likely to come down to finances. Ideally, Hodgson would like to retain the services of the Dutchman, although other possibilities are being explored.

And that could pave the way for McGurk's return to the club. The 23-year-old's six-month loan at York City expires at the beginning of January and Hodgson could see the Teessider as Martis' ready-made replacement.

McGurk has enjoyed a successful second loan spell at KitKat Crescent and former Quakers boss Billy McEwan is keen to re-sign the player until the end of the season.

"David is due to return in January and we will be taking it from there," said Hodgson. "He's played a big part for York this year and I'm sure they will want to keep him.

"There is a chance that he could go back to York but a lot will depend on what develops at the end of the month here, when other players will be out of contract."

Martis missed Saturday's win at Stockport with an ankle injury, although the former FC Eindhoven defender is back in contention for the visit of second-placed Grimsby Town this weekend.

Ryan Valentine is suspended, meaning Martis will compete with Brian Close for the right-back spot.

Peacock could also figure against the Mariners after being rested for two games. However, the 20-year-old may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Stamp and Keltie likely to keep their places in the starting XI.

* Southend will be without striker Shaun Goater for two weeks after the 35-year-old dislocated his collarbone.

The Bermuda international has played through the injury in recent weeks but a knock in training forced him to miss Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bradford and he now faces a fortnight of recovery.

* Brazilian goalkeeper Adriano Basso wants to commit himself to a long-term contract at Bristol City after breaking into the first team. The 30-year-old former Woking keeper joined the Robins in October but his current deal expires at the end of the month.

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