FULHAM today begin negotiations with Darlington for striker Curtis Main, but Craig Liddle hopes Quakers do not lose the talented teen on the cheap.

The 16-year-old spent last week with the Premier League outfit and impressed during a trial match.

But Liddle, who says Main is wanted by three other topflight clubs, fears the Cottagers could attempt to exploit Quakers’ financial plight and try to recruit Main for a reduced price.

No figures have been discussed between the clubs, though it will be Quakers’ administrators who will agree any fee which is likely to be based on appearances.

Darlington’s head of youth Liddle, who along with Neil Maddison is in charge of the club’s football matters, said: “He’s got a lot of potential and it would be up to the administrators to negotiate with Fulham if they do make an offer and a lot would depend on any future appearances he makes.

“But I don’t want us to lose him for nothing. A lot of work has gone into improving Curtis and Curtis has put a lot of work in himself.

“I wouldn’t like to see him go to Fulham for less than he is worth.

“There’s other clubs waiting in the wings. There were three enquiries about last week from Premier League clubs.”

Middlesbrough are also believed to be interested in the South Shields-born forward who is both Darlington’s youngest ever player and goalscorer.

He has made 20 appearances, mostly from the bench, and Liddle added: “He has been involved with the firstteam squad on about 19 or 20 occasions this season which, for his age, is almost unheard of at any level.

“I spoke to him last night and he’s enjoyed his time down there and is willing to speak to them if the offer is right.

“If he can keep his head right he’s got a chance of making it. I’ve spent a lot of time with him and he’s come on leaps and bounds in the last year.

“I’d be sad to see him go because he’s a young player that I’ve spent a lot of time with over the last year, not just on the training pitch but off it as well.

“But if it’s going to help the club survive then we’ll gladly see him go.”

Former Quakers boss Dave Penney returns from holiday today so will this week begin his Oldham tenure in earnest by appointing Martin Gray and Andy Collett to his backroom staff.

Mick Tait, another former Darlington manager, has been appointed boss of Blyth.