MARK Proctor expects Shelton Martis to commit his future to Darlington when the Dutch defender returns to England later this month.

The highly-rated 23-year-old is back in his native Holland considering his options after a hugely successful season with Darlington.

And Proctor remains confident Martis will agree to extend his stay at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

The former FC Eindhoven defender has been offered a two-year deal by manager David Hodgson. However, Martis has so far yet to make a decision on his future.

Leeds United remain keen on the player following their failure to secure promotion, while a return to Holland is also a possibility.

However, Proctor insisted: "Shelton is coming back as far as we're concerned.

"The only way he would leave the football club was if he decided to stay in Holland. If he was to join another club in England we would be due a fee because he's under 24.

"He's a good player, he's had an excellent season with us and I'm sure there will be a lot of interested parties, who would like to take him.

"I hope nothing else develops and he's with us next season."

Proctor is also hopeful full-back Ryan Valentine will be a Darlington player next season.

The 23-year-old is mulling over a new one-year deal, but Quakers could face competition from Valentine's hometown club, Wrexham.

Red Dragons boss Denis Smith has been linked with a move for the former Wales Under-21 international, who is currently in Wrexham with his family.

"Ryan was one of our most consistent performers last season and that's bound to attract interest from other clubs," admitted Proctor.

"He's back home in Wales considering our offer and fingers crossed he'll be with us next season."

Proctor held talks with two transfer targets over the weekend and, with Hodgson due back from a family holiday this week, Quakers could make further signings following the arrivals of Barry Conlon and Michael Cummins.