Clarke made 23 starts and 33 substitute appearances for Ipswich

Notts County boss Ian McParland still hopes to persuade Irish striker Billy Clarke to move to Meadow Lane.

The 21-year-old was released by Ipswich at the end of the season and is being courted by a number of clubs.

Magpies manager Ian McParland said: "I know that some of the interested clubs are in higher divisions than us so realistically, it's still a long shot.

"But hopefully I can get the backing to make a good offer and we can convince him Notts County is the club for him."

Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City have both been linked with the player, but McParland is keen to get his man.

I've made a firm offer to Billy's agent and he knows we are serious about signing him Ian McParland

McParland added: "Both he and his agent realise that we are serious, and I'm encouraged by the fact that he has not dismissed the possibility of joining us.

"Maybe it's a long shot that we will get him if Championship clubs are involved, but you get nothing if you don't try.

"I've made a firm offer to Billy's agent and he knows we are serious about signing him."

Clarke scored only four times for Ipswich in 56 appearances, but netted 17 times last season during loan spells with Darlington, Northampton and Brentford.

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