TOM Killick this week plans to meet with sought-after striker Justin Bennett in the hope of luring him back to Poole Town.

The 33-year-old hitman, who scored seven goals in six matches while on loan at Tatnam in 2014, is a free agent having cancelled his contract at cash-strapped Gosport Borough.

His public exit has prompted a flurry of interest and Bennett is also a target for hometown club Salisbury, the reformed giants who have won promotion as Sydenhams Premier Division champions.

Poole players such as Nick Hutchings have already been trying to influence his decision via social media and Killick hopes that familiarity could boost his bid.

Killick, who has just led Poole into the National League South, told the (Bournemouth) Daily Echo: "I plan to meet with Justin this week because I think he wants to get his future sorted sooner rather than later. That suits us as well so we need to get together and see what can be done.

"Financially, we are not in a position to offer hugely powerful packages to people. That's the situation we're in and I fully understand that, I have no problem with it.

"Notwithstanding the fact Salisbury are at a lower level, I understand why they would be an attractive proposition. They are a bigger club than the level they are at.

"But he has gone on record as saying he is keen to stay at National South level and that's something which will hopefully go in our favour.

"He has been at the club before. He is known to us but, just as importantly, we are known to him. He is held in really high regard by the players and, as well as being such a good player, is the sort of person you want to have around your club.

"If you look at his goalscoring record, it is phenomenal. We are definitely interested but I am sure now his situation is sorted, there may well be other clubs after him."