King's Lynn wideman Matt O'Halloran is a target for Unibond Premier Stamford. Linnets' boss Keith Webb confirmed yesterday the Daniels had tabled a seven day approach for the former Boston United midfielder.

King's Lynn wideman Matt O'Halloran is a target for Unibond Premier Stamford.

Linnets' boss Keith Webb confirmed yesterday the Daniels had tabled a seven day approach for the former Boston United midfielder.

Webb has held talks with the 24-year-old to reassure him he remains a key part of his Southern League promotion challenging squad ahead of Saturday's Premier Division opener at Bashley.

Michael Frew was once again preferred to O'Halloran down the right flank in Lynn's pre-season finale at Grantham.

"We have had an approach for Matty from Stamford and he's got a decision to make," said Webb. "I don't want him to leave but I have no hold over the lad. He has told me he would like to see how the first ten games or so pan out, but I can't guarantee any player at this club a starting place. It's certainly nothing to do with me having to balance budgets or anything like that. I don't have to move players on. The situation is we have had a seven day approach and we'll now have to see how that develops."

O'Halloran has scored 22 goals in 93 first team appearances since moving from the Pilgrims in February 2005, but last season was blighted by a niggling ankle problem.

Webb was poised to fine-tune his squad building plans at last night's final training session ahead of the weekend trip to Bashley after missing out on a high profile Conference midfield target.

"I've spoken to his agent who has apologised for messing us about," said Webb. "He just feels at this stage he doesn't want to drop down. It's a bit unfortunate because he has now left himself without a club for the start of the season. He could have joined a team that is moving forward. We've got one or two other options but it's the same problem of convincing good players to play at our level. I need to sit down with Shaun Ridgway and hopefully I'm in a position to sort out the goalkeeper situation. Greg Lake has been up at Stockport over the last couple of days so there has been no movement on that one."

Meanwhile, Team Bath boss Ged Roddy has labelled Lynn as the team to beat in this year's title race. Roddy guided the students to runners-up spot behind neighbours Bath City last season before losing out in the play-off final to Maidenhead - who beat Webbside en route to promotion.

"The enigma is King's Lynn," he said. "They are a massive club and are probably scratching their heads that they are still in this league. I think Mangotsfield will be strong, and I've got a lot of time for the manager at Chippenham, who's bringing good young players into his squad. He's a proper coach who knows how to motivate and develop players, and they will come strong. I've always rated Merthyr Tydfil, but they never quite seem to kick on so I wonder if this will finally be there year."