Brentford boss Andy Scott says he has spoken to former Bees loanee Billy Clarke and his agent about the Irish striker returning to Griffin Park on a permanent basis next season. Clarke was released by the Blues at the end of 2008/09 and is interesting a number of clubs.

Scott says he wants to be kept abreast of any developments: "I've spoken to Billy and his agent and have asked them to keep me informed of the situation.

"We had a good chat in Vegas [on Brentford's post-season break] and he says he wants to come here. He is certainly a player we can fit into our squad.”

Clarke scored 18 goals with three loan clubs last season, ending 2008/09 with the Bees, who he helped to the League Two title with six goals in eight games.

League Two Notts County have already made the Irish U21 international an offer, while Championship Sheffield Wednesday appear to be the favourites for his signature given their higher divisional status and greater financial clout.

League One sides Norwich City and Oldham, now managed by Dave Penney who was Clarke's boss during his earlier spell at Darlington, are also believed to be in the hunt for the Cork-born striker, while League Two Lincoln City have also been linked.

Last week, Scott said he would also like to bring Jordan Rhodes back to Brentford on loan next season. Rhodes, who is contracted to Town until 2011, scored seven goals in 14 games for the Bees before a broken metatarsal ended his season.

Elsewhere, former Blue Shefki Kuqi says he has Champions League sides chasing him: "The best thing is that I've got offers from clubs playing in the Champions League next season, so I'm quite relaxed - from countries that I never expected to get offers from."

Kuqi is out of contract but has been offered a new one-year deal by Crystal Palace, while reports in Germany claim he is close to moving to second division side Koblenz, the club where his brother Njazi, a one-time Town trialist, is currently playing.

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