Notts County manager Ian McParland says that released Town striker Billy Clarke is at the top of his summer shopping list. The Irish U21 international frontman, who scored 18 goals for three loan clubs last season, was recently released by the Blues.

McParland says: "Billy is still young and inexperienced but I believe he has the potential to develop into a very good player.

"I haven't had chance to speak to him yet because he has been away on holiday, but I aim to do so in the next couple of days.

"It's stating the obvious to say that our priority is to sign at least one player who can be relied upon to score goals on a regular basis and we have a number of strikers in mind.

"But Billy is at the top of the list and, although he is sure to get offers from a number of clubs, we'll be doing everything we can to convince him that his future should be at Meadow Lane."

Clarke has been away with the Brentford squad after helping them to the League Two title. The Bees are believed to be keen to sign the Cork-born striker permanently, while Dave Penney, formerly manager of another of Clarke's loan clubs Darlington, is also understood to want to take him to Oldham, where he is now boss. Norwich City have also been linked.

If Clarke were to join the Magpies he would team up with former Blue Jamie Clapham.

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