King's Lynn face stiff competition from Football League Two outfit Torquay United for goal keeper Shaun Marshall.

King's Lynn face stiff competition from Football League Two outfit Torquay United for goal keeper Shaun Marshall.

Linnets' boss Tommy Taylor revealed the Fakenham-born stopper will hold talks with Plainmoor counterpart Ian Atkins.

The 27-year-old finished last season at Notts County but joined Lynn last week for pre-season training.

"Torquay have been in touch so Shaun has to go and speak with them – I understand that," said Taylor. "If he had an opportunity to get back into the league you can't stand in his way. For Shaun to move all the way down there I think the money-side of things would have to be right.

"We'd love to have him here if he doesn't get fixed up and I know he has enjoyed it so far. I let him take the keepers' session on Tuesday night – we had four there in total – and he seemed to thrive on the responsibility. I don't know whether coaching is an area he has thought about further down the line."

Taylor also confirmed former Norwich City youth product Lee Blackburn had been offered a fresh deal by cash-strapped Conference club Crawley.

"Lee has a decision to make," he said. "The lad has a tremendous pedigree but he needs to sit down and do what is best for him. I want plenty of different options in midfield and he could do us a job.

"I've been very impressed with the other Norwich youngster (Lee Howlett). He's a big strapping lad with a great engine and a nice range of passing."

Club captain Sam McMahon will now be eased back into training after a routine clean up operation on his knee over the summer.

Left-sided midfielder Luke Kennedy has signed Southern League forms along with pacy frontman Paul Atkins.

"Paul seems to have that awareness good strikers need in the box," said Taylor. "Matty Nolan was back off holiday on Tuesday and he is just a class act. Michael Frew looks a very good player as well. I'm quite excited by the blend we've got up front."

Taylor will get his first sight of ex-Lincoln centre half Simon Weaver at training tonight but the Linnets boss is no closer to tying down defender Grant Cooper.

"I don't chase players – he knows that," said Taylor. "Coops was at the first couple of sessions but then went on holiday. We are looking at one or two others and rest assured we will be well stocked in that area. Greg Crane has come in from Lowestoft and he is comfortable on the ball.

"We've got a nice squad taking shape that can do something good this season. I've spoken to the chairman regarding the budget. He knows I don't want to be in the same situation as last year when we had to let players go half way through."