DAVID HODGSON is ready to rekindle his interest in former Middlesbrough striker Andy Campbell after Tresor Kandol yesterday turned his back on a permanent move to Darlington.

Kandol has returned to Dagenham & Redbridge after failing to settle in the North-East during his recent loan switch. The 24-year-old cited personal reasons behind his decision to return to London after an unsuccessful spell with Quakers.

Kandol scored twice in six starts but Hodgson was reluctant to meet Dagenham's £50,000 valuation of the player, who infuriated the Quakers boss last month by failing to turn up for a training session.

Hodgson could now turn to Campbell, deemed surplus to requirements by Cardiff City.

"I am disappointed because in the last few games Tresor has started to show the sort of form I knew he was capable of," said Hodgson.

"However, the club understands that he has a young family and it can be difficult being so far away from home. We wish him the very best of luck for the future."

Hodgson yesterday left the door open for Campbell to return to the North-East with Quakers.

Campbell has been told he can leave Cardiff City and Hodgson has been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, having already tracked the player last season.

But, while Campbell will become available on a free transfer, Hodgson knows the Teessider will not come cheap.

"If Andy is available and there is no financial burden on us then we would be interested," said Hodgson. "If he wants to come up and train with us that's fine, we can take it from there."

Hodgson is also maintaining his interest in Guy Bates after the former Newcastle striker made a favourable impression when scoring for the reserves against Hartlepool on Monday.

Phil Brumwell yesterday emerged as a surprise target for Hodgson. Brumwell, who was part of Hodgson's squad which reached the 2000 play-off final, is currently with Whitby Town.

Meanwhile, Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu has insisted he left Darlington on good terms.

Hodgson was unhappy that Ndumbu-Nsungu went back on his word, having verbally committed his future to Quakers shortly before completing a free transfer to Cardiff City this week.

"I couldn't turn down a move like this," explained the 23-year-old. "I was in League Two, now I'm in the Championship with a club just outside the play-offs.

"I couldn't say no to a Championship club. I know Darlington wanted to keep me and the manager was upset I left.

"But the last time I spoke to him he wished me well. He was a player once so he knows what it means to play at a higher level.

"Cardiff is a big club and I'm very happy to be here."

Ndumbu-Nsungu failed to score on his Cardiff debut in Tuesday's FAW Premier Cup exit at the hands of Welsh part-timers Carmarthen Town.

French midfielder Elie Ikangu has left Darlington. The 18-year-old joined the club during the summer from Le Havre but has failed to make an impact in Martin Gray's youth side.

"Unfortunately, Elie was well short of what we expected," admitted Hodgson.

Ikangu played for Middlesbrough reserves against Sunderland on Tuesday, although the Teessiders will not be following up their interest in the teenager.

Darlington will today discover the full extent of David Knight's hip injury.

Knight, midway through a month-long loan from Middlesbrough, has been undergoing treatment this week and is a major doubt for Saturday's visit of Peterborough United.

Hodgson will speak to the Teessiders today, when he will learn whether or not Knight will be fit to line up against Posh.

With first-choice Sam Russell and understudy Bert Bossu both injured, Knight is Quakers' only other recognised goalkeeper.

If the 18-year-old fails to recover, Hodgson will be forced to make his third loan signing in the space of eight days. Strikers Kyle Lafferty and Paul Hopkins joined Quakers on-loan last Friday.

Football League rules state that clubs can sign up to three players on-loan simultaneously.

"Its not looking good," admitted Hodgson. "We have one loan left and its looking like we will have to use that on a goalkeeper."