McParland declared his interest in bringing Clarke, who was released by Ipswich Town at the end of last season, to Meadow Lane almost a month ago, despite the striker being linked to a plethora of Championship and League One clubs. However, it still seems that the offer from the Magpies remains the only concrete deal on the table for Clarke, and it is becoming more likely that the skillful forward will be turning out at Meadow Lane last season.
Clarke, who scored a number of goals on loan at Darlington, Northampton Town and Brentford last season, has attracted the interest of the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Norwich City and Brentford, whom he helped lift the League Two title last season. But McParland remains hopeful he can land his man, and told nottscountyfc.co.uk:-
"I know that a number of clubs are interested in Billy and he will have a lot of talking and thinking to do when he gets back from holiday. But both he and his agent realise that we are serious about signing him, and I'm encouraged by the fact that he has not dismissed the possibility of joining us.
"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 when we meet that Notts County is the club for him."
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